Smith notably absent from returning ABs
Smith notably absent from returning ABs
Otago has been boosted by the inclusion of hooker Liam Coltman and first five-eighth Josh Ioane for this week but one wonders - where is Ben Smith?
Steve Hepburn
Only real loose end is what Squire wants to do
Only real loose end is what Squire wants to do
It is amazing what a good 80 minutes can do. All of a sudden, things are beginning to clear. But it is not always in a good way for some.
Otago to be bolstered by return of All Blacks
Otago to be bolstered by return of All Blacks
Otago will be bolstered by its two members of the All Black squad this week.
Otago has room for improvement
Otago has room for improvement
Better from Otago but still a long way to go.
Strong second half secures title for OBHS
Strong second half secures title for OBHS
Otago Boys' High School put the foot down in the second half to win the Otago Premier Schools final at Littlebourne on Saturday.
Otago overcome Southland in Shield defence
Otago overcome Southland in Shield defence
Otago has come out an easy victor in its first Ranfurly Shield defence in the Mitre 10 Cup.
OBHS take out final against Kings
OBHS take out final against Kings
Otago Boys’ High School has won the final of the Otago premier schools competition today, beating Kings High School 34-17.
Otago not dwelling on Shield defence
Otago not dwelling on Shield defence
Otago does not have to look far for motivation today.
Stags in with a shot: Hewett
Stags in with a shot: Hewett
Southland coach Dave Hewett knows how much Otago will not want to lose today.
Gregory heading south
Gregory heading south
The Highlanders have announced their first new signing for next year: Northland back Scott Gregory (20).
All Blacks inside backs options worth good look
All Blacks inside backs options worth good look
The men who will make the decisions on the field for the All Blacks and steer the ship appear to be well set. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn wonders if there are any more options for the inside backs.
Tatekawa signed for four weeks
Tatekawa signed for four weeks
Otago has signed Japanese international Harumichi Tatekawa for the next four weeks.
Growing your own is best in the long run
Growing your own is best in the long run
Overseas players may paper over the cracks but in the end the player stocks have to be from within NZ's borders - no matter how good or how bad they are, writes Steve Hepburn.
Emotions ran high as Southland stood its ground
Emotions ran high as Southland stood its ground
The last time Otago and Southland clashed in a Ranfurly Shield match was in 2010. A train headed south to Invercargill, a crowd of 17,500 rocked up, and 80 minutes of high drama played out.
Plenty to sort out before return test - or is it too late?
Plenty to sort out before return test - or is it too late?
The record defeat against the Wallabies was a shock to most All Black fans. But is it the end of an era of All Black dominance or just a forgettable night where it all went against them?
Shield should ensure decent crowd
Shield should ensure decent crowd
Neither side going into this Saturday's Ranfurly Shield challenge will bring much form into the match but the trophy should ensure a decent crowd.
Policy to select local players: Kinley
Policy to select local players: Kinley
Otago and Southland are not alone in bringing in overseas talent to plug gaps as most sides look to bolster line-ups in the provincial competition.
Otago endures 'one of those weekends'
Otago endures 'one of those weekends'
Every team has a stinker in them. Otago found it early this season.
King's recovers to beat Southland Boys' for place in final
King's recovers to beat Southland Boys' for place in final
King's High School got over a poor start to rack up its first win over Southland Boys' High School in more than 20 years on Saturday to make the final of the Otago premier schools competition.
Otago thumped in Cup opener
Otago thumped in Cup opener
Otago has been beaten heavily in its opening Mitre 10 Cup match of the season.