Steve Hepburn

Manawatu, missing out on Hurricanes games, has laid the welcome mat out for the Highlanders and wants the southern franchise to play a game in Palmerston North.

Otago coach Steve Martin wants to make Carisbrook a graveyard for visiting teams and can think of no better way to start than beating Canterbury this afternoon.

Daniel Bowden says his old side will have something to prove.

Meet Seko Qaraniqio. National basketballer, volleyballer and archer, sometimes netballer, and, most importantly, rugby player.

Former Otago B player and Tasman captain Andrew Goodman believes the side's axing from the top tier of provincial rugby will lead to his side going out this season to prove a few people wrong.

It was a very early wake-up call and ultimately it was the difference between the two sides at Carisbrook on Saturday.

After four false starts, Otago No 8 Steven Setephano cannot wait to finally get on the park this afternoon.

Otago has made just one change to its starting line-up for the Air New Zealand Cup match against Canterbury at Carisbrook tomorrow.

A players' forum to curb referee abuse is to be held next year following a referee-instigated appeal heard by an Otago Rugby Football Union judicial appeals panel last night.

As the world's biggest sporting event gets under way today, the Otago Daily Times concludes its profiles on Otago Olympic athletes. Reporter Steve Hepburn talks to cyclist Greg Henderson.

Graham Henry is today under more pressure than any All Blacks coach in history, Laurie Mains believes.

The Otago Rugby Football Union will look at any proposed provincial competition, but doubts remain over the financial viability of a new tournament.

Paul Williams says he will know which dressing room to go into when he gets to Carisbrook on Saturday.

First five-eighth Chris Noakes' long-range penalty kick gave Otago a last-gasp win in its season opener against Southland on Saturday. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to Noakes about cricket and not being the only sporting star in the family.