Steve Hepburn

Otago had a rusty dress rehearsal for its Ranfurly Shield challenge in six days' time going down 19-14 to Southland in Invercargill last night.

North Otago will gladly take a place in the new division one competition, believing it will benefit the Highlanders franchise.

In our final instalment in the Shield Stories series, rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to former loose forward Kelvin Middleton.

It is just seven days until the Ranfurly Shield challenge and Otago will want a good dress rehearsal when it plays Southland in Invercargill today.

Seven new caps have been named in the Otago squad to contest the Air New Zealand Cup this season, with coach Steve Martin saying this is a new team in a new year.

The head of the Southern Steel says she was unaware of any problems ace shooter Donna Wilkins was having in her return to top-flight netball.

It has been a big week for Alando Soakai.

All Black coach Graham Henry praised his side's tremendous character in coming back to win the first Bledisloe Cup match in Auckland on Saturday night.

Carisbrook will have three stands closed, with only the main stand and terrace open for provincial games this season, in an attempt to create a better atmosphere for games.

Project Donald took a big step forward on Saturday night with a ringing recommendation by the teacher, although the man himself is a little more reserved.

Otago Rugby Academy manager Ian Arthur finished up after 11 years with the union yesterday. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn caught up with Arthur and discussed some truths and half-truths about the academy.

It was a game most Otago people would love to forget but probably never will.

The Arrowtown Rugby Football Club has been blocked from fielding a former professional player in the semifinal of the Otago Central rugby competition today.