Redemption is the primary goal for the Highlanders in 2014.

It is not often a team's season can be decided by one game but for the Highlanders that may be the case.

Best thing about the Highlanders? Their foxy home stadium, the Smiths, Nasi Manu and Brad Thorn, writes Wynne Gray.

The University of Otago has become the first university in New Zealand to sign on as a major sponsor of a Super Rugby franchise. The deal between the university and the Highlanders was announced at Forsyth Barr Stadium yesterday afternoon. Many of the Highlanders staff and players have studied at Otago, and both organisations feel the partnership will be beneficial.

Images of the pre-season match between the Highlanders and Brumbies in Queenstown.

Melbourne gave their Super Rugby coach Damien Hill and a host of departing players a fairytale finish as they came from behind to snatch a 38-37 win over the Highlanders.

Jamie Joseph's water-tight contract makes him safe until the end of next year, but his assistants might not be so lucky.

The Highlanders will play the final match of their disastrous season against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday but no matter what the result is.

It's not often that a dead game has so much life.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph must have watched his side's 49-44 victory over the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight wondering `where has this been all year?'.

With the blood running hot, it took the cool head of Daniel Carter to steer the Crusaders home tonight.

The news last night that more than 4000 extra seats have been made available for tonight's Highlanders match against the Crusaders in Dunedin should add to the alarm bells ringing in the visitors' camp.

The Highlanders finally woke from a deep slumber to dispatch the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night.

As of next month, Brad Thorn will be unemployed. His contract with the Highlanders will be finished and he definitely won't play ITM Cup rugby this year.

Usually the Blues gather early in the week to dissect video clips, review their last game and wade through ideas for their next match.

Brad Thorn has won more things than most players and now he is experiencing life at the other end of the table.

Workaholic flanker Luke Braid has several dates with the Blues medicos before he can confirm his place for the decisive return Super 15 clash with the Highlanders.