By selecting Ben Tameifuna at prop, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is hoping to spike the Crusaders' scrum with the biggest piece of artillery he has.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has no intention of using Sonny Bill Williams as a five-eighth at this year's World Cup, even though the rugby league world is marvelling at his ability to flourish in the halves.

Jamie Mackintosh, fed up with his treatment at the Highlanders which has seen him go from captain to virtually unwanted this season, is heading to the Chiefs.

Jamie Mackintosh, fed up with his treatment at the Highlanders which has seen him go from captain to virtually unwanted this season, is heading to the Chiefs.

Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean has withdrawn from the remainder off the Super 15 season after being forced to undergo further heart surgery.

The Crusaders have called a surprise "important'' news conference for later this afternoon.

There are six weeks until the All Blacks play again. Gregor Paul details 10 things coach Steve Hansen would no doubt like to see and not like to see between now and August 17.

A big factor in why the Chiefs looked a vastly improved side in the last 30 minutes of their victory over the Hurricanes in Hamilton can be found in one significant second-half substitution.

With the blood running hot, it took the cool head of Daniel Carter to steer the Crusaders home tonight.

If the Blues do emerge from a brutal final three weeks and eventually squeeze into the Super 15 playoffs, they certainly will have earned their place.

The news last night that more than 4000 extra seats have been made available for tonight's Highlanders match against the Crusaders in Dunedin should add to the alarm bells ringing in the visitors' camp.

The least funny joke in rugby just got unfunnier, writes Gregor Paul

There is no surprise the Lions clarion call is coming from Brian O'Driscoll, a four time tourist on his final expedition in search of an elusive series win.

Liam has been fantastic in both camps for a number of years, adapting very well to the instructions given to him while never forgetting his core jobs as a blindside flanker. In the Chiefs he is their co-captain so a lot more visible in the lead-up to game

Most rugby players carry niggling injuries during the season but James Marshall has struggled with the same complaint for the past four years.

Rugby writer Patrick McKendry is on hand to offer a Super 15 refresher course to those who weren't really paying attention the first time around.