Steve Hepburn

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

Hoani Matenga will be meeting up with some old schoolmates today but it will be anything but a friendly reunion.

Loose forward Eben Joubert has some big shoes to fill when he lines up for Otago in its Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury in Christchurch tomorrow.

Otago has made a couple of key positional changes in its match against Manawatu at Carisbrook today, as it looks to stay in the hunt for the semifinals.

The Highlanders are making a return to Queenstown next year but have ruled out playing a home game in the North Island.

Ryan Shortland says he is enjoying his new code - he just wants more of it.

Errors at just the wrong time cost Otago a victory against Auckland at Carisbrook yesterday.

Paul Grant was a regular in the New Zealand sevens team this season.

It all starts up front - that old rugby saying never rang truer than in Whangarei last night.

Gail and Bob Henderson had a good excuse for being up early yesterday morning.

Tom Donnelly is not thinking about the All Blacks.

After 22 seasons in Otago rugby, masseur Donny Cameron is about to call it quits.

This is the ultimate motivator. Not trophies, not cash, but ice creams for all.

John Haggart played more than 100 games for Otago, and then coached the side.

Glenn Dickson is the third generation of his family to play for Otago, and his appearance in the blue and gold jersey can partly be put down to a a toilet roll.

Rugby World Cup boss Martin Snedden says Dunedin has turned itself upside down in its pursuit of a stadium and that has to be acknowledged when going ahead with games at the new venue.