An already difficult assignment for the Crusaders in Todd Blackadder's last few weeks as coach has just been made much tougher.

Piers Francis, a surprise package for the Blues this season with his consistently high-quality performances in the midfield, is looming

COMMENT: An amazing last Super Rugby round showed once again the quality of the New Zealand teams.

From humble beginnings, the Hurricanes have won the NZ conference and are now in the box seat to host playoffs all the way to the Super Rugby final.

The Crusaders have to sit on their hands for more than 48 hours before getting on a plane, and will be missing several key players.

If the Chiefs' playoff task appears much trickier than what was forecast a week ago, that challenge is only enhanced when assessing their midfield stocks.

The franchise is set to make thousands after securing top place in the Super Rugby standings and a home quarterfinal.

Aviation authorities may be less than impressed with them, but the Hurricanes are happily back home with no intention of leaving for the next three weeks.

Crusaders fans may be hurting tonight but one Christchurch man will be counting his lucky stars after winning $25,000 cash at the game.

All the action as the Highlanders hosted the Chiefs in a vital Super Rugby clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

A wild night and a conference turned upside down ended with a familiar outcome - the Highlanders in title-winning form.

On a night when no one knew what to expect, a bonus point record win for the Hurricanes over the Crusaders helped them clinch the NZ conference.

Relive all the action from the crunch Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and Hurricanes.

The season over, but the hard work begins immediately for the Blues as they look to figure out how they can build on what was a promising campaign.

Defeat for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes in Christchurch tonight won't be terminal to their chances of winning the competition.

Super Rugby comes to the end of conference play this weekend and four of the five New Zealand sides are certain to make the play-offs.

COMMENT: Sanzaar jumped on their piebald pony this week and cantered into rugby writers' email address books.

All the action from the clash between the Blues and the Waratahs from Eden Park.

There are enough hypothetical questions flying about over the Super Rugby travel and playoffs permutations to drive a man crazy. Hurricanes

Former Warriors league player Sam Lousi has quit the Waratahs Super Rugby franchise and signed with the Hurricanes. Lousi, who was

There's something about the Chiefs that makes them sit a little aloof from the rest of the title contenders.

Tomorrow's match against the Waratahs at Eden Park is not only an opportunity for the Blues to finish their season on the right note

Liam Messam's last Super Rugby start showed the Chiefs just how hard it can be to win on the road in the playoffs. It was more than

Chris Boyd says James Broadhurst is back in the gym as he battles to return from a troublesome concussion.

An injury to centre Matt Proctor has forced the Hurricanes to change their midfield for their match against the Crusaders in Christchurch

What's a bonus point worth? For the Waratahs and the Brumbies, try $750,000 and black ink on the balance sheet. The Australian conference

His Super Rugby whistle is hushed, but Chris Pollock will continue to deliver his rulings in Hawke's Bay. The 43-year-old retired

There is an end-of-term feel about the Blues this week. Their farewell awards dinner was held on Monday, with skipper James Parsons

It's time for Australia to admit defeat with the Western Force, writes Gregor Paul.

Having seen the inaugural Super 18 deliver a near farcical playoff line-up, Sanzaar is expected to make changes for 2017.