Super 14

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph continues to assemble his squad and has brought some exciting young talent into the team, though there is an injury cloud over one of his new signings.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is happy with the draw his side has received in the Super rugby competition next year.

The Blues Super 14 rugby franchise has come to the defence of its first five-eighth Stephen Brett's tackling performance, ahead of the first All Blacks squad of the season being named on Sunday.

Jamie Joseph knows nothing about coaching the Highlanders next year but says like any coach he would be interested in moving up to the next level.

More medical issues emerged around All Blacks test rugby candidates today, with Blues prop Tony Woodcock and Chiefs centre Richard Kahui asked to tread tenderly over coming weeks.

Auckland and Blues utility back Isaia Toeava has been added to the growing list of injured All Blacks test rugby candidates.

The Stormers have reached their first Super 14 final with a 25-6 win over the New South Wales Waratahs at Newlands.

The Crusaders have reacted swiftly to counter a jab from Bulls skipper Victor Matfield, who today accused them of illegal scrummaging ahead of Sunday morning's (NZT) Super 14 rugby semifinal at Soweto on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

The Bulls have upped the ante by accusing the Crusaders of illegal scummaging ahead of their Super 14 rugby semifinal.

Southland coaches David Henderson and Simon Culhane are keeping their cards close to their chests on whether they want to coach the Highlanders next year, while Jamie Joseph looks a long shot to move south.