Where in the world is Adam Thomson? Thailand, we think. But is there any chance the fantastic flanker could be back in Highlanders colours this season? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn investigates.
Depending on your outlook, the Highlanders and Crusaders may be the main event or simply the curtain-raiser in Oamaru on Friday night.
It should be known by the end of the week whether the All Whites will play in Dunedin in March but Forsyth Barr Stadium may be the only venue left to host the team.
Well, at least they can not be accused of getting off to a fast start.
The Chiefs may be minus Sonny Bill Williams, but their machine kept on rolling with a 41-27 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin tonight.
Adam Thomson has finally confirmed he is off to Japan, saying there was no mystery to his destination - the deal simply took time.
Highlanders No 8 Nasi Manu is facing a long spell on the sideline after a serious leg injury last night.
The Highlanders have retooled well this season and have a dozen internationals in their squad. But will it make a difference? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn assesses the side's chances.
The four other New Zealand sides will all fancy their chances in the Super 15. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn examines the teams' prospects. He will look at the Highlanders tomorrow.
Decisions on the fitness and availability of key Highlanders will be made tomorrow as the side's injury list shows no sign of decreasing.
Jarrad Hoeata just wants to get back to a simple life - on the rugby field, anyway.
The Highlanders will go back to the heartland next week.
The Chiefs will be missing plenty of prominent players when they take on the Highlanders tomorrow night at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
A little of northwest England arrived in Green Island last night.
It happens to most sportsmen in any number of sports.
The South Africans have a new team this year in the Super 15 but it is hard to see the Southern Kings making an impact. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the Kings and the four other South African sides.
With one week to go until the start of the season, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is hoping for a some good news on the injury front.
The Warriors are due in town in a week and head coach Matthew Elliott says the team can not wait to head south.
If there was a template for a pre-season match then this was it.
The Highlanders will be looking for consistency this afternoon as the Super 15 season comes into full view.
