Steve Hepburn

If this is a taste of what is to come, then best head back to the returns table.

It was a day to forget for the batsmen as senior cricket delivered plenty of low scores on Saturday.

Otago coach Ben Herring says there was not total despondence after his side's dramatic loss to Hawke's Bay in Napier on Saturday.

The world awaits - well, the United States in particular - for Ben Herring and his family and he admits he may not return to rugby coaching.

Now that was a statement to make.

Enterprise and discipline - the two ingredients Otago will need to succeed in Napier today.

The quarterfinals of the World Cup are on this weekend. There are some tough games to pick and it could go either way. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn has a look at the four games.

Otago is coming for Hawke's Bay, coach Ben Herring says, and he believes the Magpies are vulnerable.

Otago has gained one advantage already for tomorrow's semifinal against Hawke's Bay.

Otago has lost the Ranfurly Shield but is still using its experience with the log o' wood for the crunch part of the season.

The blue and golds - both the men's and women's sides - have plenty of incentive to win this weekend.

Waisake Naholo is off to play overseas. It would be fair to say he left with a whimper rather than a bang. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn wonders where and how it all went wrong over the past 12 months...

Otago should go into its Mitre 10 Cup semifinal against Hawke's Bay knowing what to expect.

In the end, the marriage which started in 1996 could not be broken. In fact, neither party opened the door to any other suitor.

Otago coach Ben Herring is putting his side on the front foot and says he is confident it can go to Hawke's Bay next weekend and do the business.

It is a big match for Otago loose forward Dylan Nel on Sunday.

Otago has made plenty of changes as it looks ahead but there is one intriguing selection in its side to take on Northland tomorrow.

Departing Southland coach Dave Hewett believes Southland has turned the corner but everyone has to go in the right direction if the union is to progress.