Steve Hepburn

Ben Smith has played 152 games for the Highlanders and is about to put a full stop on his career with the franchise. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn's watched every game and looks back over his Highlanders career.

Ten of Bender’s best

Ten of Bender’s best

Ben Smith has played some mighty games for the Highlanders over the decade he has been in the team. Steve Hepburn picks 10 of the best.

Lentjes staying put with Highlanders

Highlanders flanker James Lentjes at training yesterday at Forsyth Barr Stadium. In behind is...

Lentjes staying put with Highlanders

After all the defections, the Highlanders have scored a win in the recruitment department.

Move of Lomax to Wellington big blow for side

Move of Lomax to Wellington big blow for side

When the Highlanders signed Tyrel Lomax in late 2017, there was talk of Lomax being the second coming of Carl Hayman.

Highlanders do not want underdog tag

The Highlanders will not be approaching Friday's playoff match against the Crusaders as underdogs...

Highlanders do not want underdog tag

The Highlanders are confident they have the ability to do the job in Christchurch on Friday night and do not consider themselves underdogs.

Ice and easy does it

Ice and easy does it

Chatto Creek club member Peter McLeod takes aim during the Macrae Trophy curling competition yesterday.

Highlanders needed help

The Highlanders put in an excellent performance against the Waratahs in Invercargill but needed a...

Highlanders needed help

The Highlanders will have nothing to lose when they take on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night.

Highlanders get job done: now we wait

Highlanders flanker Liam Squire pushes off Waratahs halfback Nick Phipps in a strong run at Rugby...

Highlanders get job done: now we wait

Job done - now sit back and pray.

Simple play in slippery conditions reaps reward

Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger is threatening to take his side to Carisbrook such was its display in the slippery conditions in Invercargill last night.

Last Chance Saloon for Highlanders

Rob Thompson during last week's draw with the Bulls. Photo: Getty Images

Last Chance Saloon for Highlanders

Should a team which has won only five games all year even be in with a shout in the final round of the season?

Team doctor was like a sister but now like a mother

Sharron Flahive walks with Brendan McKibben in a Waratahs preseason match in 2015. Photo: Getty...

Team doctor was like a sister but now like a mother

Waratahs team doctor Sharron Flahive attended Southland Girls’ High School which is right beside Rugby Park where the side’s Super Rugby match against the Highlanders will be played tomorrow night....

Inexperienced Waratahs will be tougher

Highlanders captain Ben Smith at training at Logan Park yesterday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien

Inexperienced Waratahs will be tougher

The Waratahs have been stripped of many of their stars but they will be even more of a handful, the Highlanders believe.

Dixon's decision to choose Japan all about family

Elliot Dixon in action at training at Logan Park yesterday. Photo: Gerard O'Brien

Dixon's decision to choose Japan all about family

The Japanese threat continues to grow and may become even more of a menace to New Zealand rugby.

Emotional roller coaster but game focus

Elliot Dixon will have one last chance to run out at Rugby Park for the Highlanders but he may be sighted in Southland colours this season.

Poor defence only explains part of story

Sikhumbuzo Notshe scores for the Stormers as Waisake Naholo is unable to cover for the...

Poor defence only explains part of story

As the Highlanders head into their crunch game on Friday night, the onus will be on defence and trying to stop the Waratahs from scoring.

Currie to give Hawaii Ironman his best shot

Braden Currie is not resting on his laurels and plans to leave no stone unturned in having a real crack at the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii in late October.