Blues captain Jerome Kaino will miss his team's first match of the season after being given a one-week's ban for his punch on Chiefs prop Pauliasi Manu.

Our rugby writers discuss who they would build a New Zealand Super Rugby franchise around if all teams had the chance to start over.

Steven Luatua could easily become the forgotten man at the Blues but it's not something about which he needs reminding.

How Nehe Milner-Skudder adapts to being a known quantity will be pivotal to the Hurricanes' Super Rugby prospects.

Jerome Kaino could miss the Blues' opening Super Rugby match after he was sent off for punching.

Why are there so few young Maori and Polynesian journalists covering this game?

A chronically painful launch for what looms as a chronically bad competition, writes Gregor Paul.

Chris Rattue lists the key questions surrounding the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises ahead of the upcoming season.

Another big pre-season win has lifted the Blues' confidence levels as high as they've been for 12 months.

The addition of three teams has been met with a lukewarm response but Sanzaar says they will re-invigorate the competition.

Malakai Fekitoa's manager has moved to clear up some speculation about the midfielder's anger issues.

Malakai Fekitoa scored a try and got into a shoving match but kept his mouth shut in a Highlanders pre-season match.

Two of the hottest sevens prospects in the world after their exploits in Wellington and Sydney recently, will re-join the Blues tomorrow.

The summer heat and humidity is even getting to some of our best athletes.

The Highlanders have paid a musical tribute to fallen teammate Richard Buckman after he suffered a serious injury.

It's probably the heat playing tricks but it's possible the Blues aren't going to be their typical catastrophic selves.

Few have been greeting pre-season with more excitement than Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

Some of the country's biggest rugby names feature alongside world renowned choreographer Parris Goebel in Super Rugby's latest promotional campaign.

There is genuine excitement at Blues HQ. There is laughter in the ranks.