After starting slowly, Southland took a comfortable 14-6 victory over Counties Manukau in their Air NZ Cup rugby match last night.

All Blacks lock Anthony Boric will end a long injury-enforced break when he laces his boots for North Harbour in an Air NZ Cup rugby match on Saturday.

Springboks visits to Hamilton have provided no shortage of drama over the years, including among the brightest and darkest moments in New Zealand rugby history.

The man responsible in many Kiwis' eyes for the All Blacks' shock World Cup exit in Cardiff will officiate in the Air New Zealand Cup.