Otago's painful Ranfurly Shield loss to Canterbury 14 years ago played its part in the successful challenge by Wellington against Auckland on Saturday night.
The new experimental law variations (Elvs) have been with us for most of the year. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the new rules and why a game which stemmed from someone picking up a ball is now being dominated by the kicking of a ball.
In a classic game of two halves at Carisbrook, Taranaki came storming home in the second stanza to grab a win which might have dealt a fatal blow to Otago's season hopes.
The Otago Spirit simply has to win today against the all-conquering Auckland line-up to stay in this year's competition.
All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan has moved on from incidents earlier in the year and become a better person, one of his employers said yesterday.
The jury is still out on whether awarding free kicks is the appropriate way to police the breakdown, says the country's refereeing boss.
Otago, supposedly a top five union, came in seventh in the rankings of unions in the review of the Air New Zealand Cup released yesterday.
Tom Donnelly cannot remember much about his first game in an Otago jersey.
Otago's only All Black will be barely sighted for his province this season.
The All Blacks' domestic season is finished and rugby writer Steve Hepburn reviews the All Blacks performance.
For Jeremy Aldworth it was a new experience in the blue and gold jersey last weekend.
Otago golf clubs have been lukewarm over a New Zealand Golf-promoted project aimed at halting the slide in club membership.
Duncan Laing was a rugby coach of the old school - training could last more than two-and a-half hours, and players got fit by running the roads.
Otago coach Steve Martin wants to be in charge again next year, but admits his side has not yet played to its full potential.
The Otago Spirit conceded a last-minute try to go down to Manawatu in Palmerston North on Saturday, and faces an uphill battle to make the semifinals.
Otago left it late - very, very late to snatch a draw against Tasman in their Air New Zealand Cup match in Nelson on Saturday.
Otago still controls its destiny and just needs to nail its opportunities, coach Steve Martin said yesterday.
Dunedin swimming coach Duncan Laing has lauded United States Olympic star Michael Phelps, and is humbled he has been thought of by the champion swimmer.
In the 1980s, New Zealand had a reasonably successful cricket side - largely thanks to one man.
Otago Spirit coach John Kyle knows his players have a good performance in them, and for the sake of their future he hopes it comes today.
