With All Blacks on his inside going through injury-disrupted campaigns, Charlie Ngatai's chase for higher honours has made him the rock of the Chiefs' backline.

Beauden Barrett's calm influence was sorely missed during the Hurricanes' 35-18 loss to the Crusaders in Nelson tonight

No one condones foul play anymore. Player safety is top of the bill for all rugby authorities and the days of public glory in petty villainy have gone.

Join us for all the action from the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and Hurricanes from Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

Messam will miss tomorrow night's game against the Highlanders after a knock to his left shoulder during last weekend's win over the Bulls.

With three rounds of the Super Rugby regular competition remaining, our experts answer some of the vital questions that will define the season.

It's taken time but the Hurricanes are more than competitive and have led the charge in the competition this year with 12 wins from 13 games under new coach Chris Boyd.

Conrad Smith can board a plane to France at the end of the year knowing the future of the Hurricanes is in safe hands.

Heavyweight New Zealand Rugby censure followed Charles Piutau's announcement he was heading to play rugby in Ulster.

The clock is yet to strike midnight on Ross Filipo's fairytale return to the Chiefs.

After presiding over the departures of a growing number of talented young men from the game, NZ Rugby boss Steve Tew will today announce some good news - the signings of Brodie Retallick and Julian Savea.

There are three rounds left in the Super Rugby season and the Hurricanes can confirm top spot on Friday night.

If the Crusaders miss the playoffs they will look back on many frustrating matches this season.

Over the course of 68 immaculate minutes from Augustine Pulu, the Chiefs' halfback picture became much murkier.

As the wind and rain continued to lash Auckland on Saturday, Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd gave a simple message to his team ahead of their match against the Blues.

The Crusaders' Super Rugby season has been a disappointment - a team with seven losses doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs.

The Western Force might be able to upset the apple cart for other Australian Super Rugby franchises in the run to the playoffs.

James O'Connor won't bear the burden of blame on his own for the Reds' deflating 21-14 defeat to the Sharks on Friday.