Rugby: No home advantage for NZ players
The numbers are confirming the perception that Super Rugby is not an even playing field.
The numbers are confirming the perception that Super Rugby is not an even playing field.
Just as there are swing states in the United States election, so too are there players whose form will have a significant bearing on the make-up of the All Blacks squad for the Wales tour to be announced at the end of this month.
COMMENT: We're getting close to the point when the All Backs selectors will be confirming their first squad of the year, to play Wales next month.
The Highlanders reminded everyone just why they claimed last year's competition, shining in all facets to shock the Chiefs.
By the end of this campaign, the Blues could be a side with intriguing prospects for 2017.
Live updates of the Chiefs and Highlanders round 11 Super Rugby clash at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
There's a big swell of anticipation among fans that Damian McKenzie will be in the All Blacks squad next month.
The game between the Chiefs and the Highlanders in Hamilton tonight is a massive one for many reasons, not least of which are the key match-ups across the park.
Queensland Reds interim co-coach Matt O'Connor has underlined the Super Rugby side's need for experience after their 38-5 belting against the Crusaders.
Wing Jone Macilai scored two tries in the first seven minutes as his Crusaders thumped the Reds in Christchurch.
The Blues are hoping some new medical tech will help spark better injury recovery on their long haul South Africa trip.
Prediction time: the Blues will beat the Kings in Port Elizabeth this weekend and thus break their away match hoodoo stretching back to June 2014.
In a battle of backlines dotted with All Black starters and many more hopefuls, one man will hog the headlines
The Blues have quickly reminded themselves about the need for a ruthless attitude this week.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has had talks with Super Rugby's referees boss, unhappy with rule interpretations.
Brumbies chairman Robert Kennedy has apologised to his club's fans.
It gets harder to keep at bay thoughts about when, where and how Damian McKenzie will end up playing in his favoured No 10 jersey.
Damian McKenzie's decision to stay at the Chiefs is a blow to the Blues, who had designs on luring him north in the No10 jersey.
Radio Sport Rugby Editor Nigel Yalden pieces together his NZ Team of the Week.
WATCH: Waisake Naholo has made his return to rugby after being ruled out of the Highlanders because of a leg fracture and made three tries.
It was only a matter of time before some of our top sporting stars attempted the Running Man challenge. But who really is the All Blacks' best dancer?
Rugby writer Kris Shannon hands out his awards for the best players and teams from week 10 of Super Rugby.
COMMENT: Something negatively affecting the game is officials trying to stamp out anything to do with foul play.
Waisake Naholo's return to rugby has gone as planned.