As a coach, Todd Blackadder is prone to all manner of sayings, and one of his standard lines is the one about the definition of insanity being the inclination to do the same thing over and over again, all the while expecting a different result.

If the Chiefs wanted an early examination of their three-peat chances, visiting the Crusaders and leaving 10 players at home fits the bill.

The Highlanders have scored only three tries in the pre-season but coach Jamie Joseph is not pushing any panic buttons over his attack.

Joe Moody credits his wrestling background with providing him with the requisite mental strength for top rugby and he will need all of that determination this season as he battles back from ankle surgery.

Redemption is the primary goal for the Highlanders in 2014.

It is not often a team's season can be decided by one game but for the Highlanders that may be the case.

This week's Blues' team announcement for their opening match of the season will be keenly awaited because of Benji Marshall's arrival.

I can't, for the life of me, understand the concept of resting the All Blacks for the opening rounds of Super Rugby.

No team has won a Super Rugby title without a test-class first-five: Carlos Spencer, Andrew Mehrtens, Stephen Larkham, Daniel Carter, Morne Steyn, Quade Cooper and Aaron Cruden are the title-winning 10s. Gregor Paul assesses the current crop of New Zealan

Rugby fans, are you dark that the All Blacks missed the big gong at the Halberg Awards, that league has invaded Eden Park and the Super 15 kicks off early tomorrow?

Rugby season is upon us again and for me there is added intrigue in that 2014 might be the last time we see Super rugby in this format.

The Blues believe they developed an image problem with referees last year and have hatched a plan to turn it around.

The first round of Super rugby is upon us. For many New Zealand sports lovers, it's time to say goodbye to the lip service they pay to other codes - the real action has begun.

Robbie Robinson's day usually goes something like this: Go to Chiefs HQ at Ruakura, do a weights session, go home and sit on the couch.

It's a late start for Keven Mealamu at the Blues again this season, but there's no lack of excitement, due in part to the freshness of a new year.

The arguments for and against resting Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu for the Blues' first game of the season against the Highlanders, writes Patrick McKendry.

All Black front-rowers Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu will sit out the Blues' opening match of the season against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

It's the year of overseas opportunity for New Zealand's second-tier rugby players.

The Crusaders have started its 2014 season on a winning note, despite missing its superstar trio.

Benji, alone, will not be the side's saviour but if the team sparks and his talent begins to flow, the Blues will be an awkward opponent, writes Wynne Gray