Surf life-saving clubs in the south have decided to go along with a national plan which will spell the end of the Otago district and the formation of a larger South Island region.
Inept. Sadly, there can be no other way to describe Otago's performance against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe on Saturday.
The honeymoon is over, and now it is all about the scoreboard.
It is itchy, he admits it does not look that great, and everyone wants him to get rid of it, but for Otago hooker Peter Mirrielees it is all about a dear little girl.
New Otago prop Halani Aulika has been hit by a suspension stemming from an incident in Auckland club rugby and is out of tomorrow's match against Counties-Manukau.
Call it what you want - the dance of the desperates, the fight to the death, the survival of the fittest - but this year's national championship is the ultimate in cut-throat competition.
Otago first five-eighth Chris Noakes is out of the opening ITM Cup game against Counties-Manukau and his immediate playing future is in doubt.
Former All Black captain Tana Umaga is a doubtful starter for Counties-Manukau in its match against Otago in Pukekohe on Saturday.
Meet Josh Tatupu. Out of Christchurch, then via Melbourne, the southeast of France, the east and west coasts of Australia, and now a man of the South.
New Otago prop Halani Aulika was named in two provincial squads last week but decided to head south.
Another batch of world cup tickets went on sale this week but mark September 10 down as the day the real action starts.
The Otago Goldrush started like a house on fire but ended like a damp squib as it once again fell to the Harbour Breeze in the second qualifying final of the women's basketball championship on Saturday in Auckland.
In what could be only described as a bizarre match, Caversham eventually blitzed its way into the Chatham Cup semifinals yesterday.
Otago coach Phil Mooney says the serious time has begun and is pleased with the competition for places within the squad.
The Highlanders are looking at various business models for the future, but there are no changes imminent.
Jamie Joseph should be named as the new Highlanders coach by the end of the week, though it is not yet known who his assistant will be.
Otago has left some of its heavy artillery on the sideline for its warm-up game against Tasman at Carisbrook tomorrow.
Otago's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Southland is not sold out but officials are hoping they will eventually be able to put up the full house sign.
The All Blacks felt the effects of two tough tests in as many weeks but now have a week off before taking on the Australians, who captain Richie McCaw admits will be a different challenge.
They each scored a first test try to help clinch an impressive All Black victory but both Rene Ranger and Israel Dagg doubted they would make it to the tryline.
