All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen says the Highlanders are making good progress and are playing well, but New Zealand teams are feeling the effects of the player drain.
Michael Witt has only just landed in his new surrounds, but he is already doing what he is paid to do.
Highlanders assistant coach Peter Russell has given his backline a pass mark but says there is always room for improvement.
As the Highlanders start the second half of their season, rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to star loose forward Adam Thomson about his deeds on the field.
The cricket season is over, so as the Black Caps pack the pads away thoughts turn to the winter code's national team.
New Otago signing Michael Witt is to play his club rugby for Taieri and he will meet his new team-mates tonight.
The Highlanders returned from their week off yesterday, eager to continue winning momentum, and should have the luxury of picking from an injury-free squad this week.
Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid has judged the home game at Palmerston North a success, and the Manawatu union is keen to host a similar game next year.
Bottle this, keep it and give us more.
After playing through the pain barrier to lead the Highlanders to victory on Saturday, captain Jimmy Cowan said the side had the skills to beat any team.
Alhambra-Union is trying to build a dynasty, Taieri is back, University B is gone and there is an unusually high number of transfers to digest. Rugby writers Steve Hepburn and Alistair McMurran preview the Dunedin premier club season.
If ever there was a time for the Highlanders to deliver a top-class performance it is tonight.
Paddy Stewart has resigned as coach of the Harbour premier side after an altercation with his assistant.
Big prop Jamie Mackintosh makes a return to the starting side, as does lock Hayden Triggs, as the Highlanders look to impose themselves against the Bulls in Palmerston North tomorrow night.
The Highlanders finally got their attack going in the second half to convincingly beat a fading Cheetahs side at Carisbrook on Saturday night.
Sean is one up on his brother. But now Kyle has his chance for revenge.
You can take Johnny out of Palmerston North but you can't take Palmerston North out of Johnny.
The Otago B squad has been handed a tough draw but is still aiming high for its upcoming season.
Manawatu rugby officials are confident of attracting a crowd of 10,000 for the "home" match between the Highlanders and Bulls and say Palmerston North people are getting behind the southerners.
As a player, Paul Miller is straight and direct. It is the same when he talks about why he plies is trade in Japan.
