The inaugural Highlanders First XV competition is building to a nice finish, with a couple of key matches in the final round set to decide the top four.
It has been a big week for Alando Soakai.
All Black coach Graham Henry praised his side's tremendous character in coming back to win the first Bledisloe Cup match in Auckland on Saturday night.
Carisbrook will have three stands closed, with only the main stand and terrace open for provincial games this season, in an attempt to create a better atmosphere for games.
Otago Country co-coach Dave Latta says the standard of country rugby has improved this year and picking a side was a hard task.
Just what the doctor ordered.
Project Donald took a big step forward on Saturday night with a ringing recommendation by the teacher, although the man himself is a little more reserved.
No injuries, a strong finish and a third consecutive win.
The All Blacks never panicked when they went 10 points down in as many minutes, and that showed the increased confidence within the team, centre Conrad Smith said.
This was a test in the true sense of the word.
Otago Rugby Academy manager Ian Arthur finished up after 11 years with the union yesterday. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn caught up with Arthur and discussed some truths and half-truths about the academy.
It was a game most Otago people would love to forget but probably never will.
The Arrowtown Rugby Football Club has been blocked from fielding a former professional player in the semifinal of the Otago Central rugby competition today.
The Highlanders should have a new board in place in the next two to four weeks but chief executive Richard Reid says the franchise is not going anywhere soon.
The easy matches have been negotiated. Now the serious examination begins.
Financial constraints in European rugby, a need for experience in the Otago engine room and a desire to come home have led Kees Meeuws back into Otago colours.
Otago will put out a near full-strength side in Nelson tomorrow as it starts to get serious against its first high-quality opponent of the pre-season.
Otago is ahead of where it was at the corresponding time last year, Otago assistant coach Bruce Carvell says.
Jordan Donaldson is starting off her international sporting career at a young age.
Inside eight rounds. That is Shane Cameron's prediction for his fight against David Tua in October.