A late expression of interest in the Super 15 has been filed from the Caribbean which will gazump any ideas about expansion to Singapore or Japan.

Last year Brumbies back Robbie Coleman was best described as a handy utility, getting the odd gig off the bench.

Of the eight new names to be announced among the Chiefs ranks in Canberra tonight, one will reverberate around GIO Stadium a little louder than most.

When the Highlanders look for a "How to beat the Sharks" guide, they can roll through the tape of their Anzac Day demo job in Durban.

The very fact that Sanzar decided to search by tender for its 18th team from 2016 is proof in itself that its latest expansion plan is flawed.

White knows that losing just as easily becomes a habit and that is why the Sharks were so desperate for a turnaround in fortunes before the play-offs after the loss to the Cheetahs.

The return of Richie McCaw to the Crusaders for their semifinal next Saturday will present coach Todd Blackadder with a dilemma. Where to play him?

It won't be much consolation to the Blues, but Hurricanes-bound Ma'a Nonu believes his time away from Wellington has made him a better person.

Changes will be few when the Chiefs travel to tackle the Brumbies this weekend, but there is one aspect the champs would ideally alter.

Beware the prize of a week off in the Super rugby finals.

Incoming Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd first guided Ma'a Nonu as part of the Wellington B side more than 10 years ago and they will reunite that partnership at Super Rugby level next season.

After once more finishing a disappointing 10th in this year's Super Rugby competition, the Blues will today confirm the departure of their All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu.

Title success has justifiably created a rod for the Crusader backs and they are judged by a higher standard, writes Brian Ashby.

Mark Hammett says the Hurricanes were in a state of disarray when he took over the coaching reins ahead of the 2011 season.

Whatever the remedy for the Blues woes, John Kirwan has not found the answer, writes Wynne Gray.

The Crusaders' attack has probably been their Achilles heel this season, but they are looking a lot more balanced now and have an ominous momentum heading into the finals.

It can hardly be called a turning point but the Chiefs have come a long way since being humbled by the Brumbies in April.

The Highlanders are down but not out. Having claimed the final playoff spot despite losing to the Crusaders they are on their way to Durban.

Aaron Cruden, his voice all but gone after shouting instructions to the Chiefs throughout their gritty victory over the Blues in the wet and wild conditions at Eden Park.

The Blues are consistent - 10th last year and again this season.

If experience counts for one iota in the Super 15 playoffs, the Crusaders will make inroads.

Don't laugh, especially on the league angle. But the weekend signalled that a New Zealand Super 15 and NRL double is on.