The consistency that set the Chiefs apart during their title campaigns suddenly disappeared, the two-time defending champions winning their first three games but never enjoying another such streak.

Second, losing to the Waratahs in the Sydney final. Traditionally slow burners, the Crusaders slipped uncomfortably back into a familiar pattern.

There was a time when it seemed certain Hika Elliot's rugby career would end in tears.

More of the same, with the Blues repeating their 10th-place finish from 2013 to leave their record of 32 games played under John Kirwan's command for 13 wins and 19....

The four-year coaching reign of Mark Hammett came to an end as he led them to seventh place and they missed the playoffs.

Finished sixth - beaten in playoffs. Devoid of stars and coming off the back of a horror campaign in 2013, the Highlanders were the tournament's big surprise last year.

Super Rugby begins its 20th year tonight with maybe not even a quarter of the excitement and intrigue as it did in Palmerston North 1996.

We know Keven Mealamu will sit out Super Rugby for a month but the Blues will begin the tournament with an entire All Black front row this weekend.

David Pocock will captain the Brumbies in their Super Rugby season opener against the Queensland Reds tomorrow night, with head coach Stephen Larkham boldly tipping the luckless No 7 to return to the....

Wallabies and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika must be confident Israel Folau will stay in rugby beyond 2015, declaring he is unlikely to experiment much with him at centre until next year.

Blues coach John Kirwan has already made mention of his satisfaction at Steven Luatua's leadership at this early stage of the season.

The people of Albany, a suburb of Auckland's North Shore given over largely to big box retailers and franchise universities, was surprised on Saturday night when a Super Rugby match broke out at North Harbour Stadium.

New season, same old problems for Blues coach John Kirwan, who must consider a delicate juggling act with his loose forwards ahead of the first competition game against the Chiefs.

New Zealand's sevens sensation Rieko Ioane has the Blues to thank for honing his form, with coach John Kirwan comparing his style to Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams.

You may not have heard of them now, but you probably will during the Super Rugby season. Our rugby writers look at who is likely to be the breakout for each franchise this season.

Former All Black Jimmy Cowan has quickly made himself comfortable in Auckland to the point where he is turning halfback into one of the most contestable positions at the Blues.

Twelve months is a long time in professional rugby.

This time last year, an outstanding pre-season campaign set up Patrick Tuipulotu for inclusion in the All Blacks after only a handful of games for the Blues.

The Blues will today officially announce a new $4 million purpose-built training and administrative headquarters at Alexandra Park in Auckland.

The shadow of two World Cups hangs over Super Rugby, which kicks off next Friday, February 13.

New Zealand's five Super Rugby teams will officially launch their season in Auckland this morning.

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