Highlanders

Hosea Gear is a Highlander, coming south in the hope it propels him back into the All Blacks.

The Highlanders green jersey is on the way out with the boss of the franchise admitting it might have been a mistake.

The Highlanders will be based at Forsyth Barr Stadium next year with the chances of games being played in Invercargill described as remote.

Former All Black lock Tom Donnelly will play for the Crusaders next season as the Highlanders look to free up cash to sign some gamebreakers.

Highlanders utility back Robbie Robinson is to play his Super 15 rugby for the Chiefs next season.

Andrew Hore has signed for the Highlanders but winger Hosea Gear is only a 50-50 prospect of joining the franchise.

The Highlanders will start consulting on their new 2013 jersey in September and want the issue put to bed by the end of the year.

The last test after the last test will be played out tonight at Carisbrook, and a good sprinkling of Highlanders will be in action.

The swift rise of Highlanders lock Jarrad Hoeata into the All Blacks shows what can be done when a player gets focused and knows where he is going, says coach Jamie Joseph.

After the end of a a brutal Super 15 campaign, Adam Thomson is not heading to the beach. He is off to the gym to get his body ready for the rest of the season, although he is far from counting his chickens about All Black selection.

The Highlanders board will meet tomorrow but is not saying whether there will be any discussion over ditching the controversial green jersey.

Tom Donnelly has been returned to the starting line-up, along with Jimmy Cowan, as the Highlanders seek to finish their season with a sparkle against the Blues tomorrow night.

Gutsy but ultimately outgunned and outmuscled. The Highlanders fell to the Blues 33-16 in Auckland last night, putting on a determined effort but lacking the firepower to keep them in the game.

Wendy Knight may have had a rib cracked courtesy of Jamie Mackintosh - but she credits the Highlanders skipper with saving her life.

Highlanders fans will be stuck with green jerseys for at least another season because the franchise is locked into a contract with clothing giant Adidas.

It was a season which started so well, peaked at Easter, then fell away somewhat at the end. But it was still a season of real progress for the Highlanders, under new coach Jamie Joseph. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks back on the season.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said he would give his side 10 out of 10 for what they have achieved this season, but he admits some X-factor players would be a real help to his side.

The clash of the desperates takes place in Auckland tonight, and one must hope pride is just as powerful motivation as points.