Steve Hepburn

There was some reminiscing for Richie and Ryan yesterday.

New All Blacks' first five-eighth Beauden Barrett is just like any excited youngster going to the test on Saturday.

Coach Jamie Joseph says Jamie Mackintosh is still a vital component of the Highlanders.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster is expecting nothing less than an explosive Springboks side in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph says the commitment shown by his new coaching team proves they are in boots and all for their new franchise.

Josh Dickson was always going to be in the forwards.

Ugly but satisfying. Otago had its first national provincial competition win over Southland for four years, winning their ITM Cup clash 15-10 in Invercargill last night and reclaiming the Donald Stuart Memorial Trophy.

It was rugged and tough, and for All Black centre Conrad Smith, it was exactly what was expected.

All Black coach Steve Hansen believes his forward pack is in the right shape to take on the Springboks in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Fatigue is simply not an option for the Otago Boys' High School First XV as it goes into its top four encounter against Napier Boys' High School in Rotorua today.

Five months ago, the Otago Spirit looked a goner.

There have been more than 230 games between Otago and Southland over 125 years, with plenty of great ones.

Kelly Brazier just keeps on keeping on. And she has her eyes on Rio.

Wellington's loss is Otago's gain. But for TJ Ioane, wearing the blue and gold almost did not happen.

World Cup-winning captain David Kirk has no qualms about no longer being the sole New Zealander to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Otago will have to do without its All Blacks when it takes on Southland in Invercargill on Thursday.

Outmuscled and out-thought, Otago finished a distant second to Bay of Plenty in Rotorua last night.

The new Highlanders' assistant coaches should be announced today.