Steve Hepburn

It is not the easiest of tasks, but one Otago Spirit halfback Zoey Berry believes the side is capable of carrying out successfully.

After 14 years of discussions, the Otago Golf Club and the Otago Ladies Golf Club have amalgamated.

Highlanders chairman Stuart McLauchlan says there is no chance of the franchise moving in the near future and the make-up of the new board should be known by the end of the month.

Former New Zealand Warrior Michael Witt makes his first start in the Otago jersey when the side takes on Hawkes Bay in a must-win match in Napier tomorrow.

Otago had plenty of ball to win the Ranfurly Shield on Saturday but just could not find and create enough chances, captain Alando Soakai said.

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore has been impressed by the standard of the Air New Zealand Cup and feels rookie Southland back Robbie Robinson is ready to play Super 14.

Otago has missed out on recruiting Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison, and the chances of fullback Israel Dagg returning to play for the Highlanders are up in the air.

Otago took a trip down the harbour yesterday as spirits remain high in the camp despite another unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenge.

It is a rare second chance - and Otago will want, and need, to make the most of the opportunity.

Hoani Matenga will be meeting up with some old schoolmates today but it will be anything but a friendly reunion.

Loose forward Eben Joubert has some big shoes to fill when he lines up for Otago in its Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury in Christchurch tomorrow.

Otago has made a couple of key positional changes in its match against Manawatu at Carisbrook today, as it looks to stay in the hunt for the semifinals.

The Highlanders are making a return to Queenstown next year but have ruled out playing a home game in the North Island.

Ryan Shortland says he is enjoying his new code - he just wants more of it.

Errors at just the wrong time cost Otago a victory against Auckland at Carisbrook yesterday.

Paul Grant was a regular in the New Zealand sevens team this season.

It all starts up front - that old rugby saying never rang truer than in Whangarei last night.