Steve Hepburn

Highlanders lock Tom Donnelly insists the side is not far away from a win.

After giving a side a 23-point head start, the probability of winning a game is not high.

COMMENT: The Highlanders have one game left but the season is gone, with the question as to whether enough progress has been made this season hanging over the team.

Toby Morland says it is a bit surreal to think he is about to start a Super 14 semifinal.

It was a mixture of some of the best and some of the worst of the season, Highlanders coach Glenn Moore said after yesterday's match against the Force.

He has a tournament named after him, may have coached everyone in the tournament, and probably has more experience than all the competitors put together.

It was a long but ultimately rewarding wait for netballers Emily Close and Jess Moulds.

There is a rugby argument to keep 14 teams in the Air New Zealand Cup, but financially it does not stack up, Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Reid says.

The North Otago Rugby Football Union is set to clamp down on player behaviour after three bans, including one for 13 weeks for biting, have been handed out.

Revenge for the All Blacks 2007 World Cup quarterfinal loss to France will not be foremost in the All Blacks' minds next month, says assistant coach Wayne Smith.

About three-quarters of the tickets have been sold for the test between France and the All Blacks next month, and rugby officials hope the ground will be sold out by next Monday.

Highlanders openside flanker Alando Soakai has fully backed the call by All Black coach Graham Henry that refereeing interpretations are making the game a lottery.

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore is demanding a better set-piece from his side in this weekend's do-or-die match against the Sharks in Durban.

They may be considered a long shot but the Highlanders are not counting themselves out of the Super 14 semifinal race.

Otago Cricket Association chief executive Ross Dykes acknowledges the University Oval needs work but is disappointed the ground has been voted the worst in the country.

The Otago Rugby Football Union has come up with a scheme aimed at raising $500,000 for amateur rugby.

Highlanders may have been up 19-5 at half-time but they did not make enough of the opportunities they created in the first 40 minutes, assistant coach Peter Russell says.

The Pirates club has been fined $250 but will not lose any points after fielding two ineligible players in the premier competition.

As the top two sides in the Super 14 clash in Hamilton tonight, rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the match-ups and if anyone can be the star of the show.