Crusaders pivot Colin Slade has signed a three-year contract with French club Pau, where he will earn about $700,000 a season.

The Chiefs have emerged from the bye in rude health and ready for another "brutal" battle with the Crusaders.

The Highlanders' performance in chasing down the Crusaders in Christchurch for a significant victory on Saturday should have been enough to bring the Blues back down to earth.

The Highlanders certainly showed they have playoff credentials by going to Christchurch and winning. It was a statement win, writes Justin Marshall.

At the start of the Super Rugby season, the Blues had a mish-mash of backs while the Highlanders would struggle with forwards. Combine them and they might be handy, writes Wynne Gray.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says it's "obvious" he's not liked or respected in New Zealand as the fallout continues from his unsolicited entry to the referee's room.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says it's "obvious" he's not liked or respected in New Zealand.

Time to take the Highlanders seriously. A victory in Christchurch suggests they are good enough to win this thing and no one should take their eye off them now.

The Blues offered another true grit performance crowned by another gladiator performance from Kaino.

The Blues have won their first match of the season, a nailbiting and nervous victory over the Brumbies.

Relive all the action as Blues grabbed their first Super Rugby victory of the season, beating the Brumbies at Eden Park.

It’s a decision that will quite rightly be called courageous. But for Ben Afeaki, it was simple.

The Sanzar investigation into Waratahs coach Michael Cheika raised some questions. A 'draft report' of the findings provides the answers.

Waratahs and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika entered the refs room and spoke to match official Jaco Peyper at half time of their game against the Blues.

One-time State of Origin hardman Mark Carroll has made a conspicuous appearance at Waratahs training.

The embattled Super Rugby side attempt to end their five-match losing streak against the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday.

The Australian conference leaders want to inflict further misery on their Blues hosts but plans to assess Jimmy Cowan's halfback credentials are in limbo.

Was there a ripple of intrigue about Francis Saili's exit for Munster or simply accepting gestures that it was time for the Blues midfield back to move on.