Latest fromSuper Rugby
Rugby: Centres of retention
Super Rugby will resume next week, with recruitment top of the agenda for all franchises - and it will be the battle for midfielders that will be most intense.
Wynne Gray: Ranger's departure big hole for Blues to fill
Wynne Gray says the $600,000-a-year deal is the right choice for Rene Ranger. He cannot make that money in New Zealand and there are no guarantees he will stay in the squad or stay injury free.
Rugby: Visitors expect Tahs to hit field fired up
Lions back-rower Jamie Heaslip is tipping NSW coach Michael Cheika will have the Waratahs pumped up for tonight's showdown with the unbeaten tourists.
Rugby: Mid-week gives Blues a test run
For Sir John Kirwan, mid-week matches against international sides are the heart and soul of the game.
Rugby: Brumbies storm back into finals
The Brumbies have qualified for the Super Rugby finals for the first time in nine years after beating the Melbourne Rebels 39-17 at Canberra Stadium late on Friday.
Rugby: Five areas where Chiefs lead Crusaders
The Chiefs changed the coaching landscape last year when they operated with four full-time coaches instead of the usual two.
Sean Fitzpatrick: Sparkling Highlanders surely puzzling Joseph
You could almost hear Jamie Joseph, coach of the Highlanders, saying: 'Hang on ... what's going on here?'
Rugby: Chiefs still wait for respect
As the centre of excellence moves north to Hamilton, last year's champs see adoration of Crusaders continue.
Ask Kamo: Plenty of talent just waiting to emerge
It is exciting to see Rene Ranger in Steve Hansen's All Black 23. Do you see any up-and-coming Northland players coming on, or any of promise from the other smaller unions around NZ?
The Stats Don't Lie: High tackle count too much for Blues
Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers from the weekend's Super 15 action.
Haunted faces of Blues coaches says it all
Many aspects favoured the Blues. They were playing the lowest-ranked side, under cover on a fast track, chasing points for the playoffs and All Black berths.
Chris Rattue: Sort team out and leave refs alone
Time to take control of your team, Sir John Kirwan, and the Blues boss can start by bringing his errant mentor and captain into line.
'Chicken' lays out streaker
In his duties as AJ the Chicken, the Highlanders' mascot, Mr James tackled a streaker during the home team's victory over the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
Rugby: Brief relief eases the pain
The Highlanders finally woke from a deep slumber to dispatch the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night.
Blues must account for themselves
The Blues may progress in Super Rugby if they can win in Bloemfontein - but it is a big if.
Rugby: Bird injury may play into Clarke's hands
Chiefs captain Craig Clarke was being tipped as the strongest contender for a fairytale call-up to the All Blacks today, with former All Blacks Jarrad Hoeata and Anthony Boric outside choices.
Paul Lewis: Fine way to treat a messiah
What a shame Sir Graham Henry was forced by Sanzar to apologise for his refreshing honesty, writes Paul Lewis.
All Blacks: Bird's wings clipped with shoulder injury
Lock Dominic Bird's All Blacks ambitions will need to be put on hold after news he will need shoulder surgery that will put him out of the remainder of the Super Rugby competition.
Rugby: Thorn tosses up future options after roller coaster couple of years
As of next month, Brad Thorn will be unemployed. His contract with the Highlanders will be finished and he definitely won't play ITM Cup rugby this year.
Rugby: Williams revelling in Blues leadership
Not much has missed Ali Williams in his lengthy career. He's been around the rugby block more than most, suffered major injuries, fallouts with coaches, serious form fluctuations and ploughed his way through 77 tests and more than 100 Super rugby matches.
Crusaders claw back to win thriller
Wallaby Berrick Barnes missed a fulltime penalty leaving the Crusaders with an unlikely 23 - 22 win over the Waratahs in Christchurch tonight.
