Steve Hepburn

The All Blacks arrived at Dunedin International Airport yesterday afternoon with a message - or two.

The All Blacks scrummage within the laws, and did nothing different in last Saturday's test, prop Tony Woodcock says.

The Highlanders coaching team faces its annual review today.

The Highlanders' future in the South looks assured after a discussion document urged the franchise be maintained, although it warned previous strengths of the team and region have faded in recent years.

Coach Graham Henry is refusing to buy into accusations over a cheating All Black scrum, and says this Saturday's test will be tougher than last week's.

It is a trip home for some of the temporary seating installed at Carisbrook this week.

The New Zealand Rugby Union says it has not set a double standard in letting new Blues coach Pat Lam stay on with the Auckland provincial team until the end of next month.

Auckland flanker Daniel Braid is training with the All Blacks this week, although he has not officially joined the squad.

France may be on the agenda for Carisbrook next year as the Otago Rugby Football Union tries to secure another test for the city.

Less time in the gym and more time on the paddock is the emphasis for the Otago squad this year.

Former All Blacks say Jimmy Cowan will have no problems with an alcohol ban and the fiery halfback has not lost the respect of the public.

A proposed tent vllage outside Carisbrook next weekend has been canned.

It has been the best and worst of years for Jimmy Cowan. The talented All Black halfback shines on the field but seems to attract trouble after the final whistle. Steve Hepburn and Hayden Meikle report.

Feral pigs are increasing in numbers and size, moving closer to the outskirts of Dunedin city and damaging farmers' paddocks.

Taking photos, digging holes in Kettle Park and surveying seabeds are just some of the techniques to be used in gathering data as the search begins to solve erosion problems at Dunedin's St Clair and Middle beaches.

The event manager, the programme manager, and who will perform at Dunedin's New Year's Eve concert have yet to be confirmed, but the councillor overseeing the event denies it is on shaky ground.