Sharks hold on for a 15-14 win in Dunedin after Lima Sopoaga missed a late drop goal.

In February at Eden Park against the Blues, there was no flourishing start from the Highlanders in defence of their title.

The Reds have held on for their first victory of the Super Rugby season, edging the Highlanders 28-27 in a Saturday night thriller at Suncorp Stadium.

Highlanders pivot Lima Sopoaga has revealed what he needs to improve in order to impress the All Black selectors.

A couple of strong team cultures have been among the highlights this weekend with the Highlanders' come-from-behind win over the Force.

The Highlanders have held off an early onslaught and a rash of injuries to overcome a fierce Force side in Dunedin tonight.

The defending champions are moving nicely into top gear and starting to look more than capable of holding onto their title.

The Melbourne Rebels feel the Super Rugby defending champion Highlanders are playing better than when they won the title.

The Highlanders have started the process to find a new head coach for the champion Super Rugby team but the leading candidate has ruled himself out of the job.

COMMENT: Friday night's win over the Blues was just what the Hurricanes needed.

The Highlanders have rolled to a 34-15 victory over the Lions, delighting their fans at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Former Crusaders and Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has emerged as a dark horse candidate to take over the Highlanders next season.

The Hurricanes showed more than they did in week one, it was a decent display, but not enough to beat a Highlanders side.

The Hurricanes and Highlanders just don't do boring, and the Highlanders came out on top of a thriller in Dunedin.

TJ Perenara should put his faith in his physical attributes and skillset, rather than attempting to be a Smith clone, writes Justin Marshall.

Waisake Naholo shouldn't have gone to the World Cup, writes Chris Rattue, and now his career is marooned.

Live updates of the Blues taking on the Highlanders in the Super Rugby opener for 2016.

New coach Tana Umaga was pinching himself as his side fought back for a sensational win.

Chris Rattue lists the key questions surrounding the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises ahead of the upcoming season.

Malakai Fekitoa's manager has moved to clear up some speculation about the midfielder's anger issues.

Malakai Fekitoa scored a try and got into a shoving match but kept his mouth shut in a Highlanders pre-season match.

The Highlanders have paid a musical tribute to fallen teammate Richard Buckman after he suffered a serious injury.

Jamie Joseph coaching Japan will require significant concessions from that union and the Highlanders, writes Wynne Gray.