COMMENT: Southern Hemisphere standards are slipping as a result of Super Rugby expansion, writes Gregor Paul.

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark has confirmed they are pursuing the services of current Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt.

New Queensland Reds recruit George Smith's role is simple - miracle worker.

Tony Brown has been named head coach of the Highlanders for 2017 but his tenure in charge of the southern side will be brief.

Jimmy Tupou and Alex Hodgman will join the Blues on two-year deals.

They've already enticed one All Black up State Highway 1.

Sonny Blue Williams. That's a tinge his family and the patient franchise supporters have long been championing, writes Wynne Gray.

A tide that once seemed irreversible may have turned for the Blues as they will soon announce other players have joined the club after Sonny Bill Williams' commitment.

Sonny Bill Williams is another high profile signing for the Blues, but few of them have seemed to pay off.

Watch NZ Herald Focus: Sonny Bill Williams revealed family played a major part in his decision to sign with the Blues over the Chiefs.

A police escort can clear traffic but, as the Crusaders have found this week, it also attracts attention.

Sonny Bill Williams has made the only fair and sensible decision, rejecting the Chiefs and joining the Blues, writes Chris Rattue.

Sonny Bill Williams will announce a three-year deal with New Zealand Rugby today but it is not known which Super Rugby side he intends to play for.

All-Kiwi clashes provided much contemplation for Nigel Yalden as he selected his NZ Form Team of the Week.

Who were the winners and who were the losers from the sporting weekend? Wynne Gray and Chris Rattue make their picks.

COMMENT: Watching the Blues play the Crusaders at Eden Park on Saturday, the character and promise within Tana Umaga's team was obvious.

COMMENT: Some teams will be pretty happy the international break has arrived and others will be disappointed. As a fan, I'm pretty annoyed.

The Blues are too far into their redevelopment to be enthused by brave defeats. They can't really shrug off losses any more as all being part of the learning curve.

The Blues, according to coach Tana Umaga, were tired this week.

The Blues gave themselves a chance to win against the Crusaders - and they didn't finish it.

Despite coming off a tough South African road trip, there was nothing tired about the Blues defence.

The Blues can't hold off the Crusaders in the second half as they go down 26-21.

Highlanders first five eighth Lima Sopoaga showed off some unbelievable skill against the Hurricanes last night.

The Chiefs produced a woefully insufficient performance while being thoroughly outplayed by the Waratahs in Sydney.