Highlanders needed help
The Highlanders will have nothing to lose when they take on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night.
Rugby
Highlanders sneak in as playoffs confirmed
Highlanders sneak in as playoffs confirmed
The Super Rugby quarter-finals have been set after a dramatic final morning that saw the Highlanders sneak into the final spot after other results went their way.
Simple play in slippery conditions reaps reward
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.
Highlanders get job done: now we wait
Highlanders get job done: now we wait
Job done - now sit back and pray.
Emphatic win for Highlanders
Emphatic win for Highlanders
Job done, now we wait.
Ben Smith: 'I'll play for as long as I can'
Ben Smith: 'I'll play for as long as I can'
Ben Smith wants to play for Green Island again before he hangs up his boots, but has no plans of quitting rugby any time soon. He speaks to Paul Dwyer in parts three and four of an ODT interview series.
Coltman to bring up century for Highlanders
Coltman to bring up century for Highlanders
He is the happy and understated hooker who has quietly amassed 99 Super Rugby games.
Last Chance Saloon for Highlanders
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?
Ben Smith reveals the highlight of his rugby career
Ben Smith reveals the highlight of his rugby career
When asked for the highlight of his career Ben Smith doesn't hesitate and it's not winning the Rugby World Cup. He speaks to Paul Dwyer in the second part of a three part interview.
As it happened: Highlanders v Waratahs
As it happened: Highlanders v Waratahs
The action as it happened in the Highlanders' Super Rugby match with the Waratahs in Invercargill.
Smith 'extremely' disappointed to miss game
Smith 'extremely' disappointed to miss game
Ben Smith will need a big favour from his team-mates and the rugby gods if he is going to play for the Highlanders again.
Bench picked in anticipation of bad weather
Bench picked in anticipation of bad weather
There was a time when the Highlanders loved a good tussle in the mud.
Ben Smith thought his first game for Otago would be his last
Ben Smith thought his first game for Otago would be his last
Ben Smith never thought he would "get a crack" at the big time, and when he did debut for Otago he thought his first game would be his last. He talks to Paul Dwyer as part of a three-part interview.
Ben Smith ruled out of Invercargill game
Ben Smith ruled out of Invercargill game
Ben Smith may have played his last game for the Highlanders.
Inexperienced Waratahs will be tougher
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.
Emotional roller coaster but game focus
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.
Dixon's decision to choose Japan all about family
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.
Poor defence only explains part of story
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.
Still hope for Highlanders
Still hope for Highlanders
The Highlanders are still in the fight.
Franchise misses out after Jordan signs with Crusaders until 2022
Franchise misses out after Jordan signs with Crusaders until 2022
The Highlanders have missed out on fullback Will Jordan.