Highlanders

The Highlanders do not play a home game for nearly three weeks but their season ticket sales already exceed last year's.

Coach Jamie Joseph says competition for places should make the Highlanders better, although time is running out to get everyone fit.

Jimmy Cowan enjoyed a rest but is ready for the hard work to begin.

The Chiefs jumped out of the blocks and managed to keep out a fast finishing Highlanders outfit in Queenstown today.

Hoani Macdonald never thought he would be seen again in the Highlanders jersey, but it is one chance he intends to take.

Sonny Bill Williams will miss the Chiefs second pre-season match against the Highlanders in Queenstown tomorrow but will suit up for their final hit-out against the Hurricanes next weekend.

Hosea Gear will get his first outing in a Highlanders jersey tomorrow while a couple of King's High School old boys will patrol the midfield.

The injuries are continuing to stack up for the Highlanders with a gaping hole appearing in their midfield.

The Highlanders are aiming to sell out the first game of the season and are about to open a zoo.

The Highlanders had to deal with a Ryan Crotty hat-trick within the first 20 minutes and a rock-solid defence from the rest of his Crusader team-mates as the men in blue and gold conceded seven tries in a 47-19 thumping at Rugby Park, Greymouth.