TEAM PREVIEW: THE HIGHLANDERS

Last season:  Beaten finalists in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, fourth in Super Rugby Aotearoa Home ground: Forsyth Barr Stadium Coach: Tony Brown Captain: James Lentjes Gains: Gareth Evans, Andrew Makalio, Marty Banks, Mosese Dawai, Rhys Marshall, Josh Timu, Sean Withy, Saula Ma'u, Max Hicks, Sam Caird Losses: Josh Ioane, Ash Dixon, Siate Tokolahi, Kazuki Himeno, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Michael

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC SQUADS REVEALED

The 12 teams have revealed their squads for the inaugural season, headlined by new and exciting Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika squads. The Drua have named a host of International and Sevens superstars, headlined by gold medallist Napolioni Bolaca. Meanwhile, the Pasifika are boosted by the valuable experience of Christian Lealiifano

Highlanders keep final hopes alive

Compelling leadership displays by halfback Aaron Smith, and his loose forward combination, helped the Highlanders to a 35–29 Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa win over the Blues in Dunedin on Friday. Smith was everywhere, upsetting the Blues at every chance and leading a strong defensive effort that nullified the attacking sorties mounted

GOLDEN POINT THRILLER IN DUNEDIN

All Black Damian McKenzie provided the goal-kicking difference to land an extra-time golden point penalty goal to give the Chiefs a 26-23 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday. He kicked 16 points but two late shots, a dropped goal and a penalty goal, in normal time missed, and the