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.
Warriors inside back Michael Witt may be heading to Otago to play rugby although the national union is the key to any deal being reached.
Glen Horton, who turns 26 next month, played 45 games for Otago, and has signed for the Stags on a two-year contract, which is said to be incentive- driven.
These Cheetahs do not like the cold.
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske said in all honesty his side is looking forward to going home but desperately wants to bag a win tonight.
Last year's stand-out winger Fetu'u Vainikolo has been dropped but the Highlanders welcome back big prop Jamie Mackintosh to face the Cheetahs at Carisbrook tomorrow.
The All Blacks will open the Rugby World Cup against Tonga at Eden Park on a Friday night and the final of the tournament will kick off on a Sunday at 9pm.
Civic and tourism leaders are heralding the Rugby World Cup draw as a boon for the region.
Highlanders flanker Tim Boys is in the middle of the battle in the most contentious area in rugby.
The Southern Steel will play two games in Dunedin on Saturday as the team continues preparations for the ANZ Championship.
Countries were simply positioning themselves, says Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid, after the latest fallout over the future of the Super rugby competition.
Masters swimmer Steve Prescott did not let the business of competing and winning a national triathlon championship stop him from collecting a swag of medals at the New Zealand masters swimming championships.
The Otago Rugby Football Union is looking for a new refereeing mentor.
A sensational try 15 minutes from time by flying winger Leila Masaga was the difference between the Chiefs and the Highlanders in Invercargill on Saturday night.
Highlanders captain Jimmy Cowan says his players need to have a good look at themselves and the side was looking a bit lost on attack.
Highlanders prop Chris King is relishing being in a starting side at long last.
By rights Toby Morland should be enjoying the delights of married life.
Daniel Bowden says he felt no pressure at having to land a penalty after 66 scoreless minutes on Saturday night.
Rugby World Cup pool game venues will be announced tomorrow, with the southern bid still hoping for six games to come south of the Waitaki River.
