As a statement, this is about as good as it gets from the Chiefs.

Join us here for tonight's live blog from the Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Chiefs from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Herald columnist Justin Marshall breaks down the five franchises ahead of this weekend's NZ Super Rugby launch.

A punter's guide would suggest caution about the Blues. The form guide is not flash.

Benji Marshall has been happy with only one of his three pre-season matches since his switch from league.

The first round of Dream Team Fantasy Super Rugby has come and gone.

It was no less an authority than Conrad Smith who remarked last year that Francis Saili reminded him of a young Ma'a Nonu.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan was asked this week about the pressure on him this season, his second as head coach.

Blues hooker James Parsons, one of the team's early surprise packages last year, has been given a chance to replicate that form with a start against the Highlanders.

This Chiefs appear as well-equipped as any champions to rise above the impediments and repeat their Super Rugby success.

If co-captaining the Chiefs changes nothing else for Aaron Cruden, it at least provides a legitimate reason to chirp at the ref.

There are a number of obstacles a defending champion must clear to remain at the front of the field.

In Cory Jane's comeback match in November after eight months out with injury he almost scored a stunning try after two and a half minutes.

With the rare and exciting talent the Hurricanes have in their squad, even the most traumatised fan should carry a sense of optimism they can return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

For those who don't believe allowing overseas-based players to be eligible for the All Blacks would be disastrous, take heed of what is happening in South Africa.

Ardie Savea's apprenticeship is over. After spending most of his first season as a full-time Super Rugby player making up the numbers at training last year that will change in 2014.

Coach Mark Hammett has spoken at length for the past two seasons about the inexperience and youth in his squad but that won't wash in 2014.

A Charles Piutau knee injury has opened the door for Benji Marshall to start at fullback for the Blues against the Highlanders on Saturday.

There are no hard feelings towards the Melbourne Rebels but Quade Cooper has hinted rugby's lawmakers should investigate outlawing some tackles already banned by league .

Five seasons and counting. Recollections of the Crusaders' supremacy are fading as they continue to go through their close-but-no-cigar routine, writes Wynne Gray.