The game see-sawed, emotions were high, punch-ups nigh - and the battle for the top of the Australian conference was spiced by individual battles for Wallabies jerseys against the Lions.

For the first time in Dave Rennie's coaching reign, the Chiefs' performances and results are posing more questions than providing answers.

The hunt for a victory continues for the Highlanders. For the Crusaders, a different quest - how to rediscover their attacking edge.

Join us here for our live blog of the Crusaders taking on the Highlanders from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

The Crusaders perform best when they play with desperation and a burning sense of injustice, so the Highlanders would be advised to prepare to dodge the metaphorical kitchen sink in Christchurch tonight.

The tension between the Brumbies and Queensland has reached boiling point ahead of tonight's huge Super rugby derby, with both sides taking pot-shots at each other's ill-discipline.

A syndicate keen on bankrolling and running the Blues hopes the deal will be completed soon.

The Blues' fortunes have risen in the Super 15 and so have their crowds.

The tough part for the Blues is still in the distance, nine games on the trot including a trip to South Africa.

The Super 15 took another smack to the chops and this time it was delivered by the greatest of All Blacks, Richie McCaw, who has extended his Super holiday.

The Blues are talking about defence like it is rugby treasure. They have unpicked the lock on that booty and are discovering the gleam it can deliver.

Multiple pitch invasions in the final minutes of the thrilling Western Force defeat of the Crusaders in Perth last night have been described as "unacceptable''.

The Crusaders were due to fly out of Perth two hours after their defeat to the Western Force - and they played like they had a plane to catch.

In the last few rounds of Super 15, Blues fullback Charles Piutau has been subdued, compared to his normal high-action involvement.