Steve Hepburn

The excitement is building within the Highlanders for the match against the British and Irish Lions and the home side will be looking to run the opposition off its feet.

Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa is in no rush to make a decision on his future and no overseas offers are said to be on the table.

Otago prop Hisa Sasagi appears to have the worst timing for injuries.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen did the Highlanders  — and their fans — a favour yesterday in naming his 33-strong All Black squad.

Now the dust has settled on the All Blacks and Maori All Blacks announcement, the Highlanders can get into their work, knowing who can and who cannot front for the side on Tuesday.

There will be something a little  special at tomorrow afternoon’s match between Upper Clutha and Arrowtown at Tarras.

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Otago hooker Sam Anderson-Heather has just had a week which he will never forget.

Maybe it should have been a draw. But there is nothing fair about sport.

Ben Smith could have played against the British and Irish Lions for both the All Blacks and the Highlanders.

The Highlanders might have lost - and in a heartbreaking fashion - on Saturday but the side is building nicely as the business end of the season looms.

Even Richard Buckman likes the versatility.

The man who is about to become the second-most capped Highlander has plenty of praise for the man who is about to take his record.

One gets the feeling Ben Smith just wants the sideshow to be over.

At times it seemed to be down to last man standing for Tony Brown.

Steve Gurney believes you do not have to leave town to compete in the Coast to Coast.