After years of selling itself as a global game when it never really was, rugby is poised to take grip in territories it has always dreamed of conquering.

The first half of 2014 has very much been the Jerome Kaino show. Maybe the second will belong to Steven Luatua, who appears poised to re-emerge as a genuine international force.

I have been on holiday in Australia for a couple of weeks where I got the impression there's a fair bit of confidence brewing.

What a maddening night for the Chiefs. Their dream is over. They won't win their third successive title and they will only have themselves to blame.

Watch a replay of tonight's live updates from the Super Rugby playoff match between the Chiefs and the Brumbies from GIO Stadium in Canberra.

A late expression of interest in the Super 15 has been filed from the Caribbean which will gazump any ideas about expansion to Singapore or Japan.

Of the eight new names to be announced among the Chiefs ranks in Canberra tonight, one will reverberate around GIO Stadium a little louder than most.

When the Highlanders look for a "How to beat the Sharks" guide, they can roll through the tape of their Anzac Day demo job in Durban.

The very fact that Sanzar decided to search by tender for its 18th team from 2016 is proof in itself that its latest expansion plan is flawed.

Coming out of the international break, the Brumbies were three points adrift of the Waratahs and strong contenders for the Australian conference crown.

The return of Richie McCaw to the Crusaders for their semifinal next Saturday will present coach Todd Blackadder with a dilemma. Where to play him?

White knows that losing just as easily becomes a habit and that is why the Sharks were so desperate for a turnaround in fortunes before the play-offs after the loss to the Cheetahs.

Star import Jacques Potgieter believes the Waratahs are unstoppable in their quest for a long-awaited maiden Super Rugby crown.

Changes will be few when the Chiefs travel to tackle the Brumbies this weekend, but there is one aspect the champs would ideally alter.

Incoming Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd first guided Ma'a Nonu as part of the Wellington B side more than 10 years ago and they will reunite that partnership at Super Rugby level next season.

After once more finishing a disappointing 10th in this year's Super Rugby competition, the Blues will today confirm the departure of their All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu.

Same old same old? The Chiefs are once again in the race for the Super Rugby crown, seeking to extend their success into a third season.

Mark Hammett's legacy at the Hurricanes will centre around what he achieved away from the bright lights of Westpac Stadium.

Title success has justifiably created a rod for the Crusader backs and they are judged by a higher standard, writes Brian Ashby.

Mark Hammett says the Hurricanes were in a state of disarray when he took over the coaching reins ahead of the 2011 season.

Whatever the remedy for the Blues woes, John Kirwan has not found the answer, writes Wynne Gray.

The Crusaders' attack has probably been their Achilles heel this season, but they are looking a lot more balanced now and have an ominous momentum heading into the finals.

It can hardly be called a turning point but the Chiefs have come a long way since being humbled by the Brumbies in April.

The Blues are consistent - 10th last year and again this season.