The Highlanders thought Chiefs midfielder Charlie Ngatai should have been red carded for the lifting tackle on Elliott Dixon.

It wasn't the performance coach Tana Umaga was looking for but the Blues' victory over the Kings has struck an important mental blow.

It has been one month short of two years since their last away victory, but the Blues have finally won another match on the road.

The Hurricanes have come crashing back down to earth.

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.

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.

Hope of a Super Rugby finals berth is not lost for the Brumbies, who snapped a two-game losing streak with a 23-6 win over the Bulls on Friday night.

The news that the Blues tried to lure Damian McKenzie to Auckland from the Chiefs with the promise of the No 10 jersey will have done little to reassure Ihaia West of his future at the franchise.

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.

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.

The younger brother of All Black Beauden Barrett showed off his own skills last night leading the under-20 side to a win over the Aussies.

Has Damian McKenzie helped or hurt his All Blacks aspirations by re-signing with the Chiefs for another two years?

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.