The Highlanders will wait until Thursday before making a decision on the fitness of fullback Ben Smith, while back-up first five-eighth Mike Delany should hopefully put pen to paper today.
An announcement on the future of Jimmy Cowan is expected within weeks but it was all about the here and now for the halfback on Saturday night.
They huffed and they puffed but the Stormers house just would not fold.
A bye well and truly earned. And needed.
It has been a long and winding road for Jason Rutledge to reach 50 games for the Highlanders.
Jimmy Cowan is poised to become just the second Highlander to earn 100 Super rugby caps. Steve Hepburn looks back on nine highs and lows for the veteran Highlanders halfback.
General manager Roger Clark says the Highlanders will not turn their back on Invercargill despite the city struggling to attract big crowds for Super 15 matches.
Otago will have to be innovative in operating its ITM Cup team although the national union is still grappling with the finances around the provincial competition, Neil Sorensen says.
Coach Jamie Joseph says Mike Delany may play for the Highlanders this weekend, even though the former All Black has still technically not signed for the franchise.
Young Kohl Goodfellow met "Bill" yesterday.
He is in Dunedin, he even has a training strip and has started learning the game plan, but Mike Delany is still not yet a Highlander.
Former Mosgiel striker Cameron Howieson has signed professional forms with the Burnley club in the United Kingdom although bigger clubs may await.
Adam Thomson, take a bow.
Jarrad Hoeata makes a welcome return to the Highlanders tonight while Adam Thomson is also back in the starting line-up.
Former Black Ferns prop Margaret McCarrigan says it is vital the Otago women's team does not slide into oblivion.
He is now the man under the spotlight but Chris Noakes would rather leave the showy stuff to someone else.
Jimmy Cowan played a straight bat yesterday, saying he had signed no contract to play overseas.
Wanted: a first five-eighth of ability.
Otago's financial pressures have claimed their first victim on the field, with the Otago women's team to miss this year's national competition.
Both of the Rebels' big signings will take the field against the Highlanders in Invercargill tomorrow night.
