Steve Hepburn

More than 900 submissions have been received on the Messara report into New Zealand racing but what happens next is unclear.

The Mitre 10 Cup semifinals take place tonight and tomorrow. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn picks which sides will make the final four. 

Two can tango and two can tackle.

Otago midfielder Kilisitina Moata'ane definitely made the right decision when she turned her back on the 13-a-side game earlier this year.

Otago flanker Slade McDowall could not have timed his blazer game better.

Otago first five-eighth Josh Ioane has continued his rise with selection in the Maori All Blacks team to tour North and South America next month.

All Black hooker Liam Coltman is available to play for Otago this Saturday.

Otago will be without form winger Jona Nareki this week and for the Mitre 10 Cup Championship final - should it make it - but absent hooker Liam Coltman will be sighted.

It has been a rapid rise up the ranks for Highlanders prop Tyrel Lomax.

What is it with Japan and sending strange All Black teams there?

Otago has made one change to its side which takes on Wellington in a Plunket Shield match in the capital tomorrow.

It has been an up and down year for Otago centre Matt Faddes.

Otago assistant coach Ryan Martin did not have to look far to get excited about winning the Ranfurly Shield — just a picture on the wall of the team room in Dunedin.

Second time around and it still tastes sweet. Otago had to wait 20,000-odd days to finally win the Ranfurly Shield back in 2013.

Otago leads 20-12 at halftime in its Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato in Hamilton.