The Crusaders have won their second Super Rugby match in row before they head off to South Africa for a month, thrashing the Southern Kings 55 to 20 at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

The conversion of Chris Noakes has been another of the significant strands for the Blues this season.

The so-called "lesser" teams have enjoyed a habit of beating the Crusaders over the past four seasons, so it's probably a good thing that Todd Blackadder has named a strong line-up to play the Southern Kings in Christchurch tonight.

Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers ahead of the key Super 15 match-ups this week.

It is a very different Piri Weepu this season at the Blues.

For Cruden, Dan Carter's back-up at first-five for the All Blacks but facing competition from other players with designs on the No 10 jersey, it will be a case of improving his consistency and taking more of a leading role.

They are flying high in the New Zealand conference and the Chiefs are about to be strengthened by the return from injury of three key players.

The Reds are holding their breath as in-form flanker Liam Gill has scans on his knee before Saturday night's Super 15 clash with the Bulls.

In his 27 years of coaching, Wayne Smith has never missed watching his team play live, but that's all about to change this weekend.

Zac Guildford made a popular return to the training field for the Crusaders today, impressing with his fitness despite an absence of almost two months.

Dave Rennie doesn't have Jamie Joseph's injury problems, but the Chiefs coach will have to manage his team wisely ahead of Friday night's match against the Highlanders.