Steve Hepburn

Otago has had its best representation for several years in national school teams.

Former All Black coach Laurie Mains is confident the All Blacks can win the World Cup but says Ben Smith must play fullback in the key games.

A bit of South Otago rivalry was played out in the south of France yesterday.

The Otago Daily Times continues its look through the pools in the World Cup with a look at pool C, the "pool of death". Steve Hepburn rates the contenders.

The Otago Spirit has nearly brought up a century of points in its first two games after a convincing 40-7 win over Northland in Whangarei on Saturday.

Otago is not focusing on home games but it appears to have the travelling blues.

The sun did come up in Southland yesterday, but there was still a fog of disappointment hanging over the province's rugby team.

Otago won its final game at the national under-19 tournament on Saturday but it was a case of what might have been.

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.