The Blues are battling with the long-term loss of two midfielders but they should not expect much sympathy from Chiefs coach Dave Rennie.

With the sound of Steve Walsh's whistle still ringing in their ears, the Hurricanes have set up camp in Melbourne.

They are known as "spark plugs", the blokes who can inject some sting from the bench.

The search for a new coaching team for Sir John Kirwan and the 2015 Blues will kick off in earnest next month, but it appears Tana Umaga has ruled himself out of contention.

Another season, the same old problem for Australian rugby. They're soft, writes Chris Rattue.

Was it a breakthrough or merely a mirage? The Chiefs will find out on Friday night in New Plymouth.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has put the onus on his players to look at how they prepare for matches.

Ma'a Nonu, a revelation for the Blues since his return to the franchise, is in the Super rugby form of his life, and has good news for All Black supporters.

The Waratahs will continue to live and die by the sword as coach Michael Cheika encourages his charges to try to win an elusive Super Rugby crown in style.

With Super Rugby steamrollering and all five New Zealand teams playing overseas opposition, this weekend was an ideal opportunity to get a gauge on how each side is tracking.

An aqualung or the VO2 max of an Olympic rowing champion would've been handy in Sydney last night for a contest high on pace and flair but lacking in defence and structural composure.

The return of Jerome Kaino has taken competition for places among the All Black loose forwards to an even higher level.

The plummeting Reds' Super Rugby miseries have multiplied with key duo James Slipper and Chris Feauai-Sautia facing extended time on the sidelines.

Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell's prospects of returning to rugby have been ignited with Chiefs coach Dave Rennie admitting he'd consider him for a Super Rugby contract.

Sydney showed why Mark Hammett got it right when he decided to quit as coach of the Hurricanes.

No one within the Chiefs will be too effusive in their self-praise but this display was sorely-needed from the Super Rugby champions.

It's an impossible business trying to understand this year's competition. The Brumbies destroy the Chiefs one week, are then destroyed by the Crusaders the next.

The Blues thrashed the Reds 44-14 at Eden Park tonight. Read the full match report from Gregor Paul.

Watch a replay of our live blog of tonight's Anzac test between the Kiwis and the Kangaroos in Sydney

Are we thinking the Chiefs' wobble is serious? Or is it a glitch which afflicts every side along the lengthy Super 15 road?

Hurricanes players featured heavily in last weekend's round of Dream Team Fantasy Super Rugby but don't get your hopes up for a repeat performance tomorrow.