Ma'a Nonu's impressive burst of form isn't just giving the Blues a belated, unexpected shot at making the Super Rugby playoffs.

Another week, another new position for Tim Nanai-Williams.

The Blues are battling with the long-term loss of two midfielders but they should not expect much sympathy from Chiefs coach Dave Rennie.

As Ma'a Nonu continues to attract the attention of defenders everywhere, few of his teammates are better placed to take advantage than the irrepressible Charles Piutau, the only player to have appeared in every minute for the Blues this season.

They are known as "spark plugs", the blokes who can inject some sting from the bench.

Another season, the same old problem for Australian rugby. They're soft, writes Chris Rattue.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has put the onus on his players to look at how they prepare for matches.

When Matt Todd went down with a calf problem, Richie McCaw would have said goodbye to any thoughts of an early substitution in his comeback match.

Sprinting for the corner with friends and family in the stands, Nathan Harris looked set to mark a dream starting debut with a stunning try.

Was it a breakthrough or merely a mirage? The Chiefs will find out on Friday night in New Plymouth.

With Super Rugby steamrollering and all five New Zealand teams playing overseas opposition, this weekend was an ideal opportunity to get a gauge on how each side is tracking.

Ma'a Nonu, a revelation for the Blues since his return to the franchise, is in the Super rugby form of his life, and has good news for All Black supporters.

The Waratahs will continue to live and die by the sword as coach Michael Cheika encourages his charges to try to win an elusive Super Rugby crown in style.

The plummeting Reds' Super Rugby miseries have multiplied with key duo James Slipper and Chris Feauai-Sautia facing extended time on the sidelines.

Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell's prospects of returning to rugby have been ignited with Chiefs coach Dave Rennie admitting he'd consider him for a Super Rugby contract.

Sydney showed why Mark Hammett got it right when he decided to quit as coach of the Hurricanes.

No one within the Chiefs will be too effusive in their self-praise but this display was sorely-needed from the Super Rugby champions.

As sure as the sound of Green Sleeves on a badly distorted PA system means children start whining for ice cream, the halfway point of the Super Rugby season means the Crusaders shift into gear.

It's an impossible business trying to understand this year's competition. The Brumbies destroy the Chiefs one week, are then destroyed by the Crusaders the next.

The Blues thrashed the Reds 44-14 at Eden Park tonight. Read the full match report from Gregor Paul.