Steve Hepburn

Key first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga may have sat out yesterday's training but he is still a strong chance to play for the Highlanders against the Crusaders on Saturday in Christchurch.

Little brother is going up against big brother and mum and dad will be there to watch.

Challenge Wanaka will switch its focus next year to the half ironman distance, but will still run a full-distance event.

Rookie Highlanders flanker Dillon Hunt is setting the standard when it comes to defensive efforts.

The Crusaders have won 13 on the trot but believe the Highlanders know plenty about their winning run.

Michael Bracewell is taking his talents to Wellington.

The Highlanders know how to score points; they just need to learn how to stop conceding them as the Crusaders loom.

Hookersare supposed to throw the ball into the lineout, rake the ball back, get round the field and make the tackles.

Rob Thompson's white-hot form is no accident, drawing on the loss of his father to make a statement.

Ben Smith wanted to play for the Highlanders against the British and Irish Lions but his country called.

Surely it must happen — one of the most unwanted records in the sport must be broken.

Charlie Voight just bleeds blue and gold.

Highlanders fullback Ben Smith will not play for the franchise against the British and Irish Lions.

A return home with the skipper back in the side — the Highlanders all of a sudden have plenty of selection options to take on the Waratahs tomorrow night.

He is back to being a happy hooker but for a time there Ash Dixon admits he did not know what the future held.

Highlanders assistant coach Scott McLeod played more than a straight bat yesterday.

Tickets go on sale later next month for the Bledisloe Cup match in Dunedin with plenty of confidence the game will be sold out.

The African journey awaits Warren Kearney.