Steve Hepburn

It was a very early wake-up call and ultimately it was the difference between the two sides at Carisbrook on Saturday.

After four false starts, Otago No 8 Steven Setephano cannot wait to finally get on the park this afternoon.

Otago has made just one change to its starting line-up for the Air New Zealand Cup match against Canterbury at Carisbrook tomorrow.

A players' forum to curb referee abuse is to be held next year following a referee-instigated appeal heard by an Otago Rugby Football Union judicial appeals panel last night.

As the world's biggest sporting event gets under way today, the Otago Daily Times concludes its profiles on Otago Olympic athletes. Reporter Steve Hepburn talks to cyclist Greg Henderson.

Graham Henry is today under more pressure than any All Blacks coach in history, Laurie Mains believes.

The Otago Rugby Football Union will look at any proposed provincial competition, but doubts remain over the financial viability of a new tournament.

Paul Williams says he will know which dressing room to go into when he gets to Carisbrook on Saturday.

First five-eighth Chris Noakes' long-range penalty kick gave Otago a last-gasp win in its season opener against Southland on Saturday. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to Noakes about cricket and not being the only sporting star in the family.

Ten years ago Otago won the National Provincial Championship with some outstanding performances. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks back to the 1998 season when Otago ruled the roost.

Otago coach Steve Martin starts his most intense three months of the year this afternoon. Rugby reporter Steve Hepburn talks to Martin about the Air New Zealand Cup season.