It's a victory for children of the 1970s. Brad Thorn and Victor Matfield lacing up the boots to go at it in a Super Rugby match tonight.

Two words were all Mark Hammett needed. Ever since he set foot in the Hurricanes' landscape, one thing has been clear; he thought this franchise needed a shake-up.

Whoever takes on coaching the Hurricanes will not have an easy ride to win the public over.

After strangling the Lions with their strict adherence to a kick-first game plan, the Crusaders are keen to meet fire with fire against the free-running Cheetahs, but assistant coach Aaron Mauger has called for a balanced, rather than a reckless, attack.

The Waikato Draught will flow in the stands, a cacophony of cow bells will greet every opposition shot at goal, and the name of either Liam Messam or Aaron Cruden will be present in the starting XV.

The Brumbies will throw a teenage part-time bar worker up against two Wallabies locks when they take on the Queensland Reds in Brisbane tonight.

Aaron Cruden's broken thumb has caused chaos for fantasy owners as Dream Team Fantasy Super Rugby enters its second chance phase.

Mark Hammett clearly feels he's either taken the Hurricanes as far as he can or needs a change of scenery, says Herald rugby writer Patrick McKendry.

When the Chiefs first learned of Aaron Cruden's injury, the players' thoughts immediately turned to the first-five's ready-made replacement.

As the previously indestructible Aaron Cruden recovers from his broken thumb, the Chiefs must be wary of placing too much more pressure on the team's other iron man.

Aaron Cruden's injury will harm the Chiefs more than the All Blacks.

For the first time since 2011, the Chiefs will run out this weekend without Aaron Cruden in the No 10 jersey.

After an intriguing weekend of rugby, the Blues, Crusaders and Chiefs deserve close attention - and there's one player who warrants a special mention: the ageless Andy Ellis.

From the high of their bonus-point victory over the Highlanders to a new low of being dismantled by the Brumbies.

After a lacklustre start to the season, including two defeats at home, the Crusaders have at last set a record for the right reasons.

Aaron Cruden sounded like a captain who didn't know whether to laugh or cry after another staggering comeback draw in South Africa.

Highlanders winger Kurt Baker has been cited for a lifting tackle during his side's 33-30 win over the Rebels in Dunedin on Friday night.

The franchise has a week off to fix the walking wounded and find form. Gregor Paul analyses their work so far.

It used to be that New Zealand was no country for old men. Now it seems it is a place only for old men.