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.

Highlanders wing re-injured the leg which almost cost him his World Cup dream and for which he sought traditional healing in his native Fiji.

Everyone would have settled for a decent performance from the Blues on opening night - but they gave more than anyone expected, writes Gregor Paul.

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.

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.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph could succeed Eddie Jones as Japan's national coach.

Fate and family has seen a kid who played with makeshift footballs in the fields of Nadroumai, to potential world beater in rugby's most famous team.

Thousands of Highlanders fans lined streets for a victory parade in central Dunedin in honour of the Super Rugby champions. The team left the Dental School about noon and were led by the Kaikorai Brass band down George St on the back of utes to celebrate winning the final against Hurricanes on Saturday. James Gunn / Southern Stringers

The Hurricanes and Highlanders talk about the Super Rugby Final in Wellington.

Thousands of Highlanders fans have lined streets for a victory parade in central Dunedin in honour of the Super Rugby champions. Source: Otago Daily Times/Youtube

Hey mum, I want an Elliot Dixon doll for Christmas, complete with extras like his trademark electrical tape to wrap around the head.

More than 2000 fans descended on Dunedin International Airport today to welcome home their heroes. Video / James Gunn

Scrawled in black on Aaron Smith's shiny white boots was a message that defined the Highlanders' Super Rugby success: 'Prove why'.

More than 2000 fans descended on Dunedin International Airport today to welcome home their heroes.

I'm gutted for our boys. The Highlanders deserved to win. They led for the whole game and took their opportunities, writes Martin Devlin.

After 19 seasons of heartbreak and underachievement, the Highlanders' winning efforts unleashed emotional scenes from hardcore fans.

It was a great game - both teams were evenly matched - but the Highlanders executed their moves and played brilliantly, writes Dunedin South MP Clare Curran.