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.

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.

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.

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

The defending champion Highlanders have announced a settled 38-man squad to contest the 2016 Super Rugby competition.

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