Sassenachs to face Spartans
Sassenachs to face Spartans in warm-up
The Highlanders are into week one of the playoffs but the Mitre 10 Cup is just around the corner and a shadow Otago team will have a hit-out at Kettle Park this Sunday.
Steve Hepburn
Crotty signs until end of 2018; ready for Saturday
Crotty signs until end of 2018; ready for Saturday
The Crusaders got a big boost for the weekend and beyond yesterday - key player Ryan Crotty should be good to go this Saturday and is staying in New Zealand for another year.
Highlanders should be confident
Highlanders should be confident
Former All Black and Highlander Jeff Wilson believes the Highlanders should go into this Saturday's quarterfinal against the Crusaders with plenty of confidence.
It's about delivering now: MacDonald
It's about delivering now: MacDonald
Facing the Highlanders yet again is something to get excited about, Crusaders assistant coach Leon MacDonald says.
St Clair pair in NZ side
St Clair pair in NZ side
Two swimmers will be flying the St Clair Surf Life Saving club flag high in Poland this week but any chance of sand and beach will be a long way away.
Fifth southern derby - and it's do or die
Fifth southern derby - and it's do or die
The Highlanders and the Crusaders must be getting sick of the sight of each other.
Back where it all began
Back where it all began
Former All Black and Kangaroo Brad Thorn plays for the Taieri premier two side at Peter Johnstone Park on Saturday.
Crusaders preferred opponent— Brown
Crusaders preferred opponent— Brown
Highlanders coach Tony Brown wants a rematch with the Crusaders.
Landers complete clean sweep
Highlanders complete clean sweep
That is the Aussie challenge hung, drawn and quartered.
Banks keen to go out on a high
Banks keen to go out on a high
Marty Banks’ playing career in New Zealand is about to come to an end but he wants to go out with a bang.
Hard men help most vulnerable
Hard men help most vulnerable
These hard men have a soft side.
Tough decision for Fowler-Reid to leave
Tough decision for Fowler-Reid to leave
Within a week, the Steel has lost its best defender, its captain to a serious injury, one of its more promising shooters - and now its most important player is departing.
Craig, Smith among initial 13 contracted by Otago
Craig, Smith among initial 13 contracted by Otago
Otago has picked a well tested bunch in the initial naming of contracted players for next season.
All Blacks available but not all certain to play
All Blacks available but not all certain to play
The Highlanders will welcome back their All Blacks this week but whether all of them front against the Reds is still up in air.
Injury-free Evans appreciating time on the paddock
Injury-free Evans appreciating time on the paddock
Highlanders loose forward Gareth Evans is not sure where he will be next year but is just happy getting on the field at last.
Lengthy spell out for Frew
Lengthy spell out for Frew
Steel captain Wendy Frew faces a long stint on the sidelines but her coach says if anyone can get back on the court it is the feisty Southlander.
Steel shooter leaves team for Australia
Steel shooter leaves team for Australia
Southern Steel shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid is leaving the Steel, for Australia.
Plenty of chances, but match one that got away
Plenty of chances, but match one that got away
Comment: Good sides don't blame outside influences, whether the referee or missing players, writes Stephen Hepburn.
Road bumps do you good: Hansen
Road bumps do you good: Hansen
All Black coach Steve Hansen is not going to throw referee Romain Poite to the wolves, although he says the law book must be simplified.
Pushed hard, Lions learn a 'hell of alot'
Pushed hard, Lions learn a 'hell of alot'
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland would have taken a drawn series six weeks ago, although he was far from elated after the 15-15 draw in Auckland on Saturday night.