One of the cult heroes of the All Blacks' 2011 World Cup winning side is parting ways with New Zealand rugby.

Foot and ankle injuries have combined to make this a frustrating year for Francis Saili, but as the Blues' season comes to a conclusion, he need only look at how he might fit into next year's midfield equation to put a fresh perspective on things.

It will be the first time in two years Smith has not been available for the Highlanders. A leg infection, kept him in hospital across the Ditch for three nights

The Blues have held firm at Eden Park although apart from the win against the Force, they have been unable to find the same recipe away from HQ.

If it takes until their backs are against the wall for the Chiefs to find true form, then the champs are exactly where they want to be tonight.

There's surely no other Kiwi team that could take its fans this far into a post-season push and leave them hanging at the last minute on an all-Australian affair.

The first match in which Blues first-five Ihaia West plays with his short-term future secured could also be the one in which he feels the most pressure.

The equation is simple for the Blues to make the Super Rugby playoffs: win by a clear 38 points this Friday at their Eden Park fortress.

Ask his coach whether Brodie Retallick should be regarded the best lock in world rugby and Dave Rennie leaves little doubt.

If Mark Hammett wakes up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat this week it could be following a nightmare about the amount of close losses the Hurricanes have suffered.

There's been a lot of chat recently about the decision-making at the Crusaders - and I was one who was critical of some of their selections, Writes Justin Marshall.

If the Blues have taken a step forward in 2014, they are about to take at least two back, writes Gregor Paul.

It’s possible Beauden Barrett is right and an offer from the Blues is in the pipeline.

The Blues might not have a championship-winning No 10 but they do, in Bryn Hall, have a championship-winning No 9.

The Chiefs have found form at the vital time to set up a potentially pivotal showdown with the Blues next weekend.

I know people will be lining up to lay into Mark Hammett by asking 'what has he done in four seasons coaching the Hurricanes?' but I'm standing by him.

There's a fair chance the Waratahs will win Super Rugby this year and, in doing so, ignite a mini-panic - the Wallabies might be an emerging force.

The agony of defeat and their season ending with it will be hard enough for the Blues to deal with tomorrow morning.

Join us here for tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and the Blues from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

No dice, Blues coach John Kirwan proclaimed this week when asked about a move to contract Beauden Barrett.

Twelve months ago it looked as if Tony Woodcock's grip on the All Blacks' No 1 jersey was slipping.