Steve Hepburn

The Highlanders have confirmed they are looking at changing the colour of their playing strip.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has just tied up its most valued commodities, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, for four more years. But who else should be on the must-contract list?

Do not talk playoffs. Do not talk bonus points.

Back on track thanks to some never-say-die defence, the Highlanders held on and ran out 13-6 winners over the Hurricanes in Invercargill last night.

It has become a tired old cliche since Forrest Gump first uttered it in 1994. But it comes to mind when discussing the Hurricanes.

Key Highlanders trio Ben Smith, Colin Slade and Josh Bekhuis have all signed with the franchise for the next two seasons.

All but one of Otago's new signings have arrived in the South but co-coach Phil Mooney says just because a player has been contracted he is not guaranteed a place in the squad.

More than 2000 tickets have been snapped up for the test between the All Blacks and Fiji, with tickets to go on general sale for those in the South next week.

When Eben Joubert gets back on the rugby field next month he will have completed a journey to hell and back. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to the Otago flanker about a roller-coaster nine months.

Phil Vickery says the All Blacks are the favourites for the World Cup but form has little to do with winning the silverware.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said the performance of Ben Smith last night had All Black written all over it.

Jordan Donaldson is making every turn a winner on her bike.

Rugby can be a complicated game but there is one simple theme: kick your goals and you will win more than you lose. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn analyses the Super 15 kicking stats.

Young winger Telusa Veainu makes his first start of the season, along with experienced midfielder Matt Saunders, as the Highlanders look to get back on track tomorrow night.

Touch is one of the quickest sports around and Kaikorai Valley College is one of the speediest schools out of the block in making an impact at a national level.

Matt Saunders admits he has had a yo-yo career.

There are some things that just do not go together - oil and water, cats and dogs, Hone and Don. Another? The Highlanders and Hamilton.

The Highlanders face an injury crisis in the outside backs and star loose forward Adam Thomson is out for a month, as the side's lack of depth starts to be exposed.

Lima Sopoaga comes back into the side while Robbie Robinson is slotted into fullback as the Highlanders look to get their season back on track after hitting a speed bump last week.

Carisbrook will be fit and ready for the test between the All Blacks and Fiji in July and a large video screen will be in operation.