Five games into the season, Blues coach Tana Umaga is still searching for his best backline.

Tana Umaga has given Piers Francis his first Super Rugby start as he continues his search for the Blues' best midfield combination.

It's a title fit to grace the top of any player's CV - the fastest man in New Zealand rugby.

COMMENT: A new downtown footy stadium needs you in full voice rather than a whisper.

"The thing about Kiwi teams," said Force coach Michael Foley, "is there is always someone willing to have a go."

The Blues back stadium in Auckland's CBD and would be happy to leave their spiritual home.

COMMENT: The Super Rugby season stretches all the way to August but there can be defining moments at even this early stage of the campaign.

Dave Rennie is proving what a gem he is, again, with a team ripped up by injuries

It wasn't quite a kick to clinch the World Cup but Stephen Donald still felt plenty of pressure last night.

The All Blacks fullback has opened up about his Olympic heartache, and why he chose the Highlanders over a bid for gold in Rio.

The defending champions are moving nicely into top gear and starting to look more than capable of holding onto their title.

The Chiefs blew away yet another defence tonight, lying in wait before striking with speed and skill to seize a bonus-point win.

Christian Cullen would love to see the All Blacks selectors take a punt on Damian McKenzie for the June tests.

The Chiefs have scored one of the best tries of 2016.

The Chiefs have extended their advantage over the Force.

Cruden began the game against the Jaguares with a straightforward penalty but then failed to add the extras for the Chiefs first two tries.

The Melbourne Rebels feel the Super Rugby defending champion Highlanders are playing better than when they won the title.

Of all the things the Hurricanes expected to happen against the Kings, its doubtful they imagined they would struggle to get the victory.