The All Blacks' defence of the World Cup feels jinxed. Good men are dropping all over the place. Conrad Smith is the latest, suffering concussion against the Chiefs in Wellington.

Ma'a Nonu was at his best during the Hurricanes’ 22-18 win over the Chiefs in Wellington tonight, extending their lead at the top of the New Zealand conference.

John Kirwan has delivered a tactical masterstroke by saying he could deliver master technician Wayne Smith to the Blues, writes Wynne Gray.

Concern is growing that Patrick Tuipulotu's groin injury could rule him out of the World Cup.

What was shaping as a showdown between two explosive attacks might now be a little less pleasing on the eye. The Chiefs yesterday suffered a serious blow ahead of tonight's clash with the Hurricanes with both Sonny Bill Williams and James Lowe ruled out

Super Rugby's two best teams of 2015 will finally meet at Westpac Stadium in Wellington tonight and the stakes are high.

The latest twist in the daily soap opera that is the Blues over the past fortnight is that John Kirwan's job is apparently not safe after all.

Join us here for tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Blues and the Bulls from Eden Park in Auckland.

The Chiefs have suffered a serious double blow before tomorrow night's showdown with the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Herald readers have overwhelmingly sided with a stanch Blues fan who has vented his frustration with the franchise in an open letter to Blues CEO Michael Redman.

One supporter's open letter to Blues CEO Michael Redman sums up every fan's disappointment and frustration.

The Blues could be tested once again on the pitch tonight while the off-field drama continues with Wayne Smith the latest linked to the franshise.

A win-win scenario is filling the Highlanders spreadsheet this week.

The experimental phase is over and the results are in - Damian McKenzie is set to be the Chiefs' first five for the rest of the campaign.

Is Konrad Hurrell really a liability? Martin Guptill or Hamish Rutherford? Mark and Andrew debate the week's big questions.

Rugby reporter Patrick McKendry on what it means for the Blues now that Tabai Matson has declared his commitment to the Crusaders.

Tabai Matson has re-committed to the Crusaders rather than taking up John Kirwan's offer of joining him at the Blues.

A decision by the Blues board on Kirwan's coaching future is imminent, although an announcement may not be.

It seems John Kirwan is pulling a lot of strings about his future instead of the chief executive and board, writes Wynne Gray.

"Whatever has happened here in the past for us is totally irrelevant," says Sharks captain Bismarck du Plessis ahead of Waratahs clash.

Oh what a lovely circus, writes Chris Rattue. The Blues can barely win on the field, and now they are losing their cool with the media off it.

He is repeatedly touted as the All Blacks' third hooking option but Nathan Harris first must focus on getting back on the field.

Rookie first five-eighth Jake McIntyre will make his Super Rugby debut in a new-look Queensland Reds side this weekend.

The Blues coaching controversy appears set to rumble on for a while yet. John Kirwan answered questions from the media, only for the franchise to send a statement.

Those involved with the Blues coaching review have to insist it's not a done deal that Sir John Kirwan is staying on with Tabai Matson coming as his assistant.