Steve Tew has a difficult job keeping NZ's best rugby talent on these shores, but the double standards are obvious, writes Patrick McKendry.

Waratahs coach predicts his side will be entering a Super Rugby war zone against a rested Crusaders side on Saturday.

A loose forward, a commentator and a debutant - the Chiefs' locking crisis could create a rather unorthodox combination in the second row tomorrow night in Rotorua.

Three Super Rugby games should still be enough for Quade Cooper to prove his Wallaby World Cup worth, says Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham.

Strong ray of sunshine for the Sharks as Springbok lock Pieter-Steph du Toit re-committed himself to the Durban franchise.

Hey you, New Zealand Rugby. Relax brothers. Take a chill pill. We're all fine without you, writes Chris Rattue.

The Crusaders have to be confident they can avenge last year's title loss to the Waratahs. Anything less this weekend and they'll be out of the 2015 series.

Charles Piutau has been told by New Zealand Rugby he cannot play for the Blues next year.

Woah. There has been howling in the hallways of Sanzar this week at the "basic standards that have simply not been upheld over this past weekend" by match officials.

There are New Zealand coaches with excellent credentials who could take over the Blues.

Glasgow Warriors have signed Fijian winger Taqele Naiyaravoro from Super Rugby champions Waratahs on a three-year deal.

Sam Cane is the most productive Kiwi tackler in Super Rugby, but Richie McCaw and Julian Savea are slipping off tackles at position-worst rates.

The Blues' coaching panel for 2016 is: head coach Tana Umaga, assistants Paul Feeney and Steve Jackson. What are your objections asks Wynne Gray.

The Queensland Reds could yet welcome back injured star Quade Cooper for Friday night's clash with the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.

Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot has made a miraculous recovery from a serious neck injury, which has thrust him in to the discussion for All Black selection.

The Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise has today been confirmed to have been bought by a company owned by Christchurch-born businessman Andrew Cox.

In an attempt to reconnect with rugby, the Herald's sports editor at large Dylan Cleaver watches every minute of every Super Rugby game over the weekend.

Outspoken ex-referee Jonathan Kaplan has backed the Chiefs who are angry at the late decision from TMO Vinny Munro against the Hurricanes.

What about them Highlanders, eh? They danced out to a handy halftime lead and unlike the previous week did not surrender that advantage against the Cheetahs.

This week looms as one of the most important in the Blues' history as their divided board meets in an attempt to resolve the John Kirwan issue.

The Blues are in tatters off the field and have a terrible record away from home but when you set up a game for them at Eden Park they generally find a way to win.

Who are the essential World Cup picks, and who are the non-essentials? Chris Rattue tells us who he thinks are the essential World Cup items.