Steve Hepburn

Otago lock Tom Donnelly admits to being in a bit of a daze when he ran out to make his All Black debut in Wellington on Saturday night.

Jason Macdonald brought up his 50th cap for Otago last week but it came a distant second as far as highlights went over the past seven days.

You can take Peter Breen out of North Otago but you cannot take the province out of Peter Breen - well, its rugby team anyway.

Another All Black winter season has concluded Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks back at the season and wonders how the side is looking two years out from the tournament that really matters.

Otago coach Steve Martin has received full backing from his bosses.

Too strong, too classy and just too good.

It is not the easiest of tasks, but one Otago Spirit halfback Zoey Berry believes the side is capable of carrying out successfully.

After 14 years of discussions, the Otago Golf Club and the Otago Ladies Golf Club have amalgamated.

Highlanders chairman Stuart McLauchlan says there is no chance of the franchise moving in the near future and the make-up of the new board should be known by the end of the month.

Former New Zealand Warrior Michael Witt makes his first start in the Otago jersey when the side takes on Hawkes Bay in a must-win match in Napier tomorrow.

Otago had plenty of ball to win the Ranfurly Shield on Saturday but just could not find and create enough chances, captain Alando Soakai said.

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore has been impressed by the standard of the Air New Zealand Cup and feels rookie Southland back Robbie Robinson is ready to play Super 14.

Otago has missed out on recruiting Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison, and the chances of fullback Israel Dagg returning to play for the Highlanders are up in the air.

Otago took a trip down the harbour yesterday as spirits remain high in the camp despite another unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenge.

It is a rare second chance - and Otago will want, and need, to make the most of the opportunity.