Rugby

The Highlanders will open their Super rugby draw with a match against the Chiefs in February.

Injured Highlanders and Otago first five-eighth Hayden Parker has played 45 games for Otago. He must wonder if he will get to his half-century.

Another season has finished for the Highlanders. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn rates the main players who took to the paddock.

It was not a great way for the curtain to come down on Jamie Joseph's six-year reign with the Highlanders.

Years ago, this is what used to come out of the high veldt in South Africa.

Otago Daily Times Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire looks at some key points from the Highlanders 42-30 loss in their semifinal against the Lions at Ellis Park this weekend. 

Challenges come and go for any team.

Fan first, owner second. Matt Davey, who became a major Highlanders shareholder late last year, admits as a fan he is going to the next level.

Highlanders and All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa has been backed by his coach, who is confident he will have a big game against the Lions.

The Lions' influential No 8 and captain Warren Whiteley has failed to recover from a calf problem and will miss the Super Rugby semifinal against the Highlanders at Ellis Park on Sunday morning.

The Lions and the Highlanders go into battle this weekend. The sides actually have quite a bit in common, both in history and efforts on the field. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the similarities of the sides.

The Highlanders have stacked their bench with forwards and will be looking to go deep into the well in the Super Rugby semifinal against the Lions in Johannesburg.