Steve Hepburn

Former All Black Frank Bunce believes the All Blacks are still the favourites for the World Cup and the side just has to use the pressure it is under to its advantage.

Gareth Evans and Sam Giddens are back in the Otago team to take on Canterbury tomorrow as the side finally gets to play at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The equation is quite simple for Otago tomorrow. In a season where it has been trying to regain some respect and credibility, it just has to beat a fast-improving Tasman team.

Otago huffed and puffed but was just not accurate enough to beat Waikato in Hamilton yesterday.

Southern sporting teams are facing a hit in the pocket because of the storm enveloping the country.

Every possibility was considered - including chartering a plane - before it was decided to postpone the scheduled match between Otago and Manawatu at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

Tony Brown is still enjoying rugby and is not quite ready to hang up his boots.

The new strips at the University Oval are sure to get a good testing this summer, going by the domestic playing schedule released by New Zealand Cricket yesterday.

No ball, no territory, but Otago tackled its way to a victory over Counties-Manukau in their ITM Cup match at Carisbrook last night.

All Black coach Graham Henry is expecting a completely different level of opponent when his side takes on the Wallabies in Auckland on Saturday.

Andrew Hore has signed for the Highlanders but winger Hosea Gear is only a 50-50 prospect of joining the franchise.

Hayden Parker had not yet started primary school when Tony Brown made his first-class debut for Otago.

Otago defender Kane Russell is swapping drains and sinks for sticks and pads as he contemplates a shift to Auckland next year.

We begin a series looking at the six teams visiting Dunedin during the Rugby World Cup. Today, Steve Hepburn profiles Romania.

Co-coach Andy Hunter says Otago has made progress this year but individuals are letting the side down.

Brain explosions, dumb plays, a rush of blood; whatever you call them, Otago must get rid of them to get better.

The Auckland Storm is an aptly named team. Playing with all the force of Hurricane Irene, the Aucklanders swamped the Otago Spirit at University Oval on Saturday, wining 86-5, after leading 41-0 at the break.

Daryl Shields has coached them all - from future All Blacks to someone just making up the numbers.

Otago halfback Sean Romans is just enjoying being on the paddock. In this rapid-fire ITM Cup competition, he is probably one player who does not want the season to end.

The Otago Daily Times counts down the 150 greatest moments in Otago sport. No 67: That penalty try (1995)