Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder is anticipating another "epic battle" in his team's derby with the Chiefs this weekend.

The Waratahs are the next foe to try to take down the undefeated Hurricanes on Saturday at the Cake Tin.

New Zealand Rugby wants to ensure last weekend's concussion incident doesn't happen again and believes the key lies in making television footage available to the match-day doctor.

Concussions are not an area where there can be too much of a good thing - better 10 people saying a player might be concussed than no one, writes Gregor Paul.

Cowan, Bekhuis and Woodcock or Naholo, Fekitoa, Aaron Smith, Ash Dixon and Dan Pryor - Wynne Gray wonders, which team got the better deal?

Rugby great Sean Fitzpatrick says it's a good thing that some of New Zealand's finest are choosing to play abroad - both for the "phenomenal" money and experience.

Highlanders prop Josh Hohneck should never have played on after being knocked cold during Saturday night's Super Rugby game vs the Crusaders.

Colin Slade's decision to play overseas next year has just made Todd Blackadder's rebuilding job at the Crusaders in 2016 a whole lot tougher.

The Highlanders made a big pitch to keep star winger Waisake Naholo but he had all-but signed a deal to go to France before the season had even kicked off.

Sanzar was satisfied there was no malice in the conversation and felt Michael Cheika's approach did not amount to misconduct, writes Wynne Gray. If that's so, the questions will multiply.

Crusaders pivot Colin Slade has signed a three-year contract with French club Pau, where he will earn about $700,000 a season.

The Chiefs have emerged from the bye in rude health and ready for another "brutal" battle with the Crusaders.

The Highlanders certainly showed they have playoff credentials by going to Christchurch and winning. It was a statement win, writes Justin Marshall.

The Highlanders' performance in chasing down the Crusaders in Christchurch for a significant victory on Saturday should have been enough to bring the Blues back down to earth.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says it's "obvious" he's not liked or respected in New Zealand as the fallout continues from his unsolicited entry to the referee's room.

At the start of the Super Rugby season, the Blues had a mish-mash of backs while the Highlanders would struggle with forwards. Combine them and they might be handy, writes Wynne Gray.

There is a bit of John Kirwan that is wondering whether there's any point in continuing with this coaching business given that every week the fate of his side lies mostly in the hands of the....

Time to take the Highlanders seriously. A victory in Christchurch suggests they are good enough to win this thing and no one should take their eye off them now.

The Blues offered another true grit performance crowned by another gladiator performance from Kaino.

The Blues have won their first match of the season, a nailbiting and nervous victory over the Brumbies.

Relive all the action as Blues grabbed their first Super Rugby victory of the season, beating the Brumbies at Eden Park.

It’s a decision that will quite rightly be called courageous. But for Ben Afeaki, it was simple.

Sanzar's credibility has been privately mocked by several leading Super Rugby figures who feel the tournament organiser has made itself a laughing stock.