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.

Watch a replay of our live blog from tonight's international test between the Lions and Wallabies from Etihad Stadium in Melbourne.

A rusty performance, this, from the Chiefs, but as we have seen so often over the past couple of years, it was enough to get the job done and in the end it was surprisingly easy.

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.

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.

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.

For Sir John Kirwan, mid-week matches against international sides are the heart and soul of the game.

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.

The Chiefs changed the coaching landscape last year when they operated with four full-time coaches instead of the usual two.

You could almost hear Jamie Joseph, coach of the Highlanders, saying: 'Hang on ... what's going on here?'

As the centre of excellence moves north to Hamilton, last year's champs see adoration of Crusaders continue.