After spending the start of the season playing the "hopeless" role of spectator, Sam Cane is almost back in a position with which he's far more proficient.

At just 20, Pietersen was picked in the unfamiliar position of fullback to make his debut for the Boks in the 2006 Tri-Nations test against Australia at Ellis Park.

Having established himself as the Blues' first-choice first-five and one of the best goalkickers in the competition, Simon Hickey will tomorrow catch a ride to Eden Park from the Greenlane home he shares with his parents.

Beating the Waratahs is a stand-out moment in the Melbourne Rebels' short Super Rugby history.

Jerome Kaino, on the brink of a return to the Blues, has challenged himself to reach the standards he set at the last World Cup when he was a major part of the All Blacks' success.

The Chiefs' attack is warming to its work and last season's top scorers are unlikely to be disrupted by a loss of key personnel.

You'd struggle to find a more relaxed bloke than Marty Banks. Very little seems to worry the Hurricanes utility but that carefree nature has arguably been a hindrance to his rugby career.

The time for the selection tinkering at the Blues is over, says coach Sir John Kirwan.

The feeling of positivity around the Blues after their victory over the Crusaders has all but evaporated in the aftermath of their South African tour.

They both spent big to attract high-profile fullbacks, both have coaches still needing to prove themselves and together they've accumulated one win between them in 2014.

Watching the latest Super Rugby round offered a graph stretching from exhilarating to turgid. The problem was they were successive matches.

If you like your rugby loose with frequent scoreboard changes then head for Eden Park on Saturday.

The yoyo career of Robbie Fruean took another dip yesterday when he was pulled from the Chiefs' squad.

Robbie Fruean will miss the Chiefs' three match road trip after needing a heart procedure which will put the centre out of action for up to eight weeks.

There is going to be plenty of self-examination in the Highlanders camp this week.

Ma'a Nonu and Jerome Kaino are poised to restart their Blues careers against the Cheetahs at Eden Park on Saturday.

An incredible comeback from the Blues against the Lions in Johannesburg fell just short this morning, John Kirwan's men again leaving themselves too much to do after a poor start.

Beauden Barrett versus Willie le Roux. What a treat.