Steve Hepburn

Michael Collins has taken a while to become a Highlander.

It does not take a rocket scientist to know more Super Rugby players in a provincial side will lead to success.

After a whirlwind and rugged effort last weekend, Otago has proceeded with caution for tomorrow afternoon's match against Wellington.

The milestones keep coming for Otago fullback Sheree Hume.

Have boots, will travel.

The Rugby World Cup is less than 10 days away. The Otago Daily Times will examine the 20 teams taking part in the tournament in Japan. Steve Hepburn looks at pool A.

The Highlanders are confident of having Tony Brown on board for the full season, irrespective of what happens in the All Blacks coaching ranks.

The Highlanders will get a week off at the start and in the middle as Super Rugby kicks off in January next year.

It might not have been the result they were looking for but Southern players Blair Tarrant and Kane Russell will look back at the just completed transtasman series with some fondness.

Electric Otago winger Jona Nareki is making every post a winning one, racking up a try in nearly every game in the blue and gold jersey.

Changes are coming for the way hockey is played nationally.

The Otago Spirit put a statement on the board in its opening game of the season with a convincing victory over Taranaki Whio yesterday.

He may be oozing natural talent and picking up tries left, right and centre but Otago winger Jona Nareki is putting his good form down to hard work.

Those fantastic flying Fijians.

Otago was not prepared to gamble on getting Josh Ioane back for tomorrow's Ranfurly Shield defence against Taranaki.

It was a very early - and chilly - start to the Otago track season last night.

Familiarity can often breed boredom in the rugby season.