Steve Hepburn

New Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says he was encouraged with what he saw from Otago at the weekend but admits he has a big job in front of him.

Otago coach Phil Mooney says the side must go out and play rugby and develop a winning attitude.

Israel Dagg has moved to the Crusaders, leading the Highlanders boss to say "the bigger fish get their man".

Glenn Dickson - he of the booming right boot - says Otago is not going to play 10-man rugby, but just needs to do the little things right.

Otago has made just the one change to its starting line-up for the match against Wellington at Carisbrook tomorrow night as it looks to make a successful home start to its campaign.

Lock Hayden Triggs says he is eying a move to the Chiefs, although he has not yet signed a contract to move north.

New Otago fullback Chris Small has been through plenty in the blue and gold jersey and he has played only two games.

Jamie Joseph's last game in charge of Wellington will be at his new home, and his new assistant at the Highlanders should be known in a couple of days.

Even Stephen King could not pen something this ghastly, this painful and this darn sad.

David Latta says he cannot compare his two heartbreaking moments of trying to win the Ranfurly Shield.

He may be an Australian but Otago coach Phil Mooney is completely aware of the Ranfurly Shield.

Still trucking along at 36 and Kees Meeuws says he is feeling as good as ever.

Otago loose forward Adam Thomson and outside back Ben Smith have been picked for the Commonwealth Games sevens team.

When you talk to David Latta about Ranfurly Shield challenges, the conversation inevitably leads to one moment.

Rugby is said to be a hooligans' game played by gentlemen, but those gentlemen, both playing and watching, appear to have been crossing the line. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn checks the climate on and off the paddock.