Two from two - you'd better believe it. In the classic game of two halves - and thankfully for the Highlanders their half was better than the Chiefs - the home side ran out the winner, 23-13 at Carisbrook, to make it two wins from as many games.
The Otago Rugby Football Union has recorded a cash loss of $50,000, and claims it is now a "lean and mean" business.
What a statement!!! The Highlanders, through some good old honest southern ticker, defeated the Hurricanes 14-9 in Wellington last night to get Jamie Joseph's coaching reign off to a fantastic start.
Five new caps, including 20-year-old Lima Sopoaga in the No 10 jersey, will start for the Highlanders when they play the Hurricanes in Wellington tomorrow night.
The Highlanders have been near the bottom for too long. New coach Jamie Joseph wants to change that, but as he tells rugby writer Steve Hepburn, first it is about gaining some respect.
The Feelers will be providing the pre-match entertainment for the match between the Crusaders and Highlanders on Saturday although the traditional curtain-raiser has not been forgotten.
It seems the off-season has spared New Zealand rugby players being exposed to the full horrors of Japan's quake.
Otago Rugby Football Union board member John Walker is standing down, and there will be three men chasing two positions on the board.
The Otago Rugby Football Union, in association with Silver Fern Farms, has launched two annual scholarships to entice promising rugby players with a rural background to Otago.
Justin Ives has a big six months coming up.
A four-team club competition will start in Dunedin next month, and will be followed later in the season by a combined competition with Southland club teams.
There is no basking in the glory for the Highlanders after the win over the Bulls, with coach Jamie Joseph insisting the side has quickly switched its focus to the Stormers.
Financial issues at provincial unions will continue to fester when players are paid a full-time wage for a part-time job, the boss of Otago rugby says.
Auckland has been routed in its first innings at the Plunket Shield match at the University Oval today, being bowled out by Otago for just 46.
Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Reid says costs on ITM Cup teams are too high and finances are a big issue for provincial unions.
The Highlanders are keeping their feet on the ground but Otago rugby officials hope for a crowd of up to 20,000 when Super 15 derby rivals the Crusaders come to town in two weeks.
Is it one man? Is it the players? Or is it just luck?
The Crusaders Knights easily defeated the Fijian Warriors 55-7 at Carisbrook yesterday.
Highlanders general manager Roger Clark says the franchise is thrilled with its start to the season and now it is time to continue the good work.
Former University A forward Justin Ives has made a large Japan squad and is line to play in this year's World Cup.
