Sharks coach Jake White couldn't resist taking pot shots at Waratahs counterpart Michael Cheika after his Super Rugby leaders niggled their way to a spiteful 32-10 victory.

Israel Folau admits he's still only a 50-50 prospect of returning for the Waratahs next weekend despite flying out for South Africa on Saturday.

Blues' supporters questioning the wisdom of getting Ma'a Nonu back this season should have had their minds put at ease by the performance of the All Blacks midfielder at Eden Park last night.

This match probably confirmed that the Stormers won't be Super Rugby champions this year and won't make the play-offs, based on this form.

It wouldn't be a surprise if there are some high profile Super Rugby transfers at the end of this year - big-name All Blacks deciding they need to switch franchise having lost faith in their coaching regimes.

The immediate threat to New Zealand of Australia announcing plans to launch a nine-team provincial championship in August this year won’t be obvious.

The Blues looked a lot less like the Blues tonight and yet they also looked a lot more like potential playoff contenders.

The Chiefs pride themselves on their depth and that will be tested after making eight changes to the side to face the Bulls tomorrow morning in Pretoria.

Jerome Kaino is back in the No 6 jersey, but Blues' forwards coach Mick Byrne has warned against expecting too much too soon.

A thriller of a match between two struggling teams was settled by a stunning try from Hurricanes wing Alapati Leiua.

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

The limelight has never seduced Kieran Read but he understands it is a consequence of his play.

Tim Bateman doesn't see himself as the saviour of the Hurricanes' backline.

It was Piri Weepu's speech problems while with the Blues in South Africa that prompted the scan that revealed he had played three matches after suffering a minor stroke.

A person suspected of suffering a stroke should not even drive a car, never mind play a game of rugby, a stroke expert says.

As he prepares to test himself against the other in-form New Zealand fullback, Charles Piutau says he wishes his consistency could reach that of rival Ben Smith.

Bateman Returns! The headline was simple and it wasn't a typo. The Hurricanes' fans finally have something to cheer about!

Melbourne Rebel Colby Fainga'a has a point to prove when he faces his former Brumbies teammates in their Super Rugby clash tonight.

Ma'a Nonu, Jerome Kaino, Hayden Triggs and Bryn Hall have all been promoted from the reserves bench to start for the Blues against the Highlanders at Eden Park on Saturday night.

Rugby has a sleeping pill problem all right. It's called the Super 15. What a yawn, writes Chris Rattue. "Nothing has been the same since the All Black bosses, with the NZRU's support, yanked an entire test squad out of much of the Super competition."

Ankle injury or not, Cory Jane appears to no longer be a certain starter for the Hurricanes.

The Blues have been the beneficiaries of a timely visit from All Blacks' scrum coach Mike Cron as they prepare to avenge their week one defeat to the Highlanders.

The worst performance in Wayne Smith's time at the Chiefs will leave a few players fearing for their spots against the Bulls this weekend.