Hurricanes stars Nonu, Collins cited
Hurricanes stars Nonu, Collins cited
Two prominent Hurricanes could be facing spells on the sidelines following Friday night's Super 14 game against the Highlanders at Carisbrook.
Hayden Meikle
Wilson determined to kick on in role
Wilson determined to kick on in role
James Wilson knows he can kick, wants to kick, and is backing himself to kick the Highlanders to a much-needed victory against the Hurricanes at Carisbrook tonight.
Game has health issues but no need to call for last rites
Game has health issues but no need to call for last rites
This concludes the Otago Daily Times series, State of the Union, assessing the health of New Zealand rugby. Rugby writer Hayden Meikle sums up the issues and wonders what might lie ahead for our national game.
Newby comeback near at hand
Newby comeback near at hand
Highlanders captain Craig Newby is ready to play but is unsure whether his fitness will allow him to start against the Hurricanes on Friday night.
NZRPA continuing fight for players
NZRPA continuing fight for players
New Zealnd rugby is littered with landmark years but few are more significant, in relation to the current climate, than 1999 and 2005.
Li'l battlers show big boys how it's done
Li'l battlers show big boys how it's done
They are two of the less fashionable provinces but Hawkes Bay and North Otago are also genuine success stories. Rugby writer Hayden Meikle talked to the chief executives of the respective unions to get their feelings on where the game is heading.
Driving game raises bar
Driving game raises bar
Need room to zoom? Then this could be the driving game for you.
Moore concerned at discipline issues after third yellow card
Moore concerned at discipline issues after third yellow card
Highlanders coach Glenn Moore has revealed his concern at the discipline issues and fundamental errors that are spoiling the promising signs his side has shown in the Super 14.
Thomson pleased to be contributing to cause at last
Thomson pleased to be contributing to cause at last
Adam Thomson.
He has had enough of being on the losing side but Adam Thomson can also allow himself some personal satisfaction at being where he wants to be.
Another heartbreaker for Highlanders
Another heartbreaker for Highlanders
Waratahs 15 Highlanders 12 You can't fault the Highlanders for the commitment and effort they have showed in the first rounds of the Super 14.
No side-stepping the need for realism
No side-stepping the need for realism
If Otago rugby is a microcosm of New Zealand rugby, then these are indeed trying times. Richard Reid is the new man charged with getting a faltering union back on track, and he tells Hayden Meikle why he thinks it shouldn't be difficult.
First start a big step for Delany
First start a big step for Delany
Mike Delany is hardly a rookie but he will take one of the most significant steps in his career when he starts a Super 14 game for the first time tonight.
Winning at home first priority for stand-in captain
Winning at home first priority for stand-in captain
Craig Newby will shortly resume normal service and stand-in captain Jason Macdonald has no intention of handing back a Highlanders side that does not have a win on the board.
Early return on cards for injured winger
Early return on cards for injured winger
Highlanders winger Lucky Mulipola might not be so unlucky after all.
Highlanders pin hopes on exciting Vainikolo
Highlanders pin hopes on exciting Vainikolo
He is the new Volcano and the Highlanders hope he will erupt this weekend to help the side record its first win of the season.
Highlanders let a second close one slip
Highlanders let a second close one slip
There is now no question the Highlanders are a side of promise, but that can only get you so far in the Super 14.
Young shoulders to fill a big jersey
Young shoulders to fill a big jersey
Some rugby players, especially those in the more visible positions, quickly find themselves with a label on their backs.
Moore calls for commitment in build-up to Reds game
Moore calls for commitment in build-up to Reds game
Get excited and be prepared to fight for the jersey - those are coach Glenn Moore's final messages to his players as they prepare to begin their Super 14 season with a game against the Reds in Brisbane tonight.
New laws in town - get to know your ELVs
New laws in town - get to know your ELVs
Elves are light-footed, pointy-eared creatures who live in mystical lands and prance delicately through the trees. ELVs are slightly more complicated and may have a massive impact on the once-simple game of rugby.
Sharks and Bulls only real threats out of Africa
Sharks and Bulls only real threats out of Africa
It was certainly some sort of year. The Bulls shucked off the memories of their horrible early days in the Super 12 by winning an all-South African final against the Sharks, and the Springboks romped to a second World Cup title in France without having to play the All Blacks, the Wallabies or the host nation.