Versatility was their key strength last year but the Chiefs have desperately missed specialists and consistency of selection in 2014.

The Blues blew the Force off the field in the first quarter in Perth overnight, grabbing a rare Super Rugby win on the road.

In a war of attrition it was Hurricanes lock Blade Thomson who provided the two moments of inspiration that won his side the game.

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders from Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

The Hurricanes have beaten the Crusaders in three of the past five meetings and each time the winning points have come in the final 10 minutes.

Despite the extremely high level Jerome Kaino reached on his return to the All Blacks against England, he feels he let himself down in the third test in Hamilton.

There's a light and dark shade for Charles Piutau about rugby in New Plymouth.

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Super rugby clash between the Highlanders and the Chiefs from Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

In the strict hierarchy of rugby in this country, it's rare to find a Super rugby side benefiting from the All Blacks rather than the reverse.

The Blues' losing streak away from their Eden Park fortress now stands at 14, so only their most ardent supporters will be confident of success against the Force in Perth tomorrow night.

John Kirwan is preparing to receive a high-powered reinforcement in the form of returning fullback Charles Piutau

Just when McCaw was getting some traction and form, he's back on the sidelines with a broken rib, writes Brian Ashby.

Loose forward Luke Braid will see out the Blues' season and then go under the knife, possibly on both his shoulders, which have troubled him the last two years.

The Blues have secured their spot in the 2024 Super Rugby finals, beating the Brumbies 34-20. Video / Sky Sport

Chris Boyd and John Plumtree have been named as the Hurricanes new coaches for next season.

It sounds incongruous but Aaron Cruden will benefit from the reduction in responsibility that arrives in the All Black environment.

Melbourne Rebels back Jason Woodward has agreed to a two-year deal with the Hurricanes, allowing him to pursue a childhood dream of playing for the All Blacks.

Ihaia West's performance in the Blues' big victory over the Hurricanes on Saturday night proved he is not only at home at this level.

Apart from the failure to gain a bonus point in their victory over the Force in Christchurch, the past weekend couldn't have gone any better for the Crusaders.