Steve Hepburn

Otago Rugby Football Union chairman Ron Palenski says Otago should have no problems qualifying for a new 10-team premier domestic competition.

Two players from Lawrence, a halfback from Christchurch and a South African prop are features of the Otago squad named yesterday to prepare for the season.

Megan Dehn says she will not have any problem hitting the ground running for the Southern Steel.

Otago United is committed to staying in the New Zealand Football Championship but admits it will be cutting its budget by a third.

Was it stage fright? Was it the unusually balmy Dunedin June night? Or was it just a bit more of a reality check?

Today's trial is a chance for players to put their hands up and say they want to play for Otago.

New All Black lock Isaac Ross says he is surprised to have made the All Blacks two years earlier than he hoped.

Playing and beating the All Blacks was still the ultimate challenge for a French player, captain Thierry Dusautoir said yesterday.

Gary Seear knows how to beat the French, and not just by getting over the tryline.

All Black midfield back Ma'a Nonu says he is taking on more responsibility in his role but never feels like he is an automatic selection in the team.

Last year, Adam Thomson played on the blindside flank for the All Blacks on Carisbrook. This year he is still in black and still at Carisbrook, but is on the openside flank, filling some big shoes. He talks to rugby writer Steve Hepburn about his role tomorrow.

Adam Thomson is now seen as the long-term back-up to Richie McCaw and has answered questions about his character, the All Black selectors said yesterday.

Liam Messam may have played most of his season on the blindside flank for the Chiefs but he says it will not be a big adjustment to go back to the No 8 position on Saturday night.