It was no surprise to anyone when Manawatu ran rampant over the hapless Otago side yesterday.

All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore will play a big role in the team leadership group.

The ITM format changes next season into a seven-team Premiership and a seven-team Championship.

Northland held off a desperate Bay of Plenty to win a see-sawing national provincial championship rugby match.

Of all the All Blacks that won't be boarding the plane for Hong Kong late Saturday, Sitiveni Sivivatu has the most to play for.

The Wellington Lions are ready to call in an 18-year-old high school student as they chase a spot in the ITM Cup semifinals.

Canterbury first five Colin Slade is doing his best to concentrate on the positives after missing selection for the All Blacks.

The usual suspects seem likely to play out the ITM Cup semifinals following 12 weeks of action.

Former All Black Richard Loe picks his 30 players that should go on the All Blacks' end of year tour.

For a city that's had its fill of seismic activity, the people of Christchurch showed an admirable appetite for some more yesterday.

Piri Weepu has been robbed of another All Black northern tour after breaking his leg last night.

Mark Anscombe is careful to avoid accusations of nepotism when it comes to son Gareth, writes Michael Brown.

24 times they've tried and 24 times they've failed. But Counties Manukau are still confident they can win the Ranfurly Shield tomorrow.