The Chiefs picked their new home to display some of their old form and seize control of the New Zealand conference.

Join us here for tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Blues and the Chiefs in New Plymouth.

Huntly has a uniquely Waikato way of welcoming visitors to Chiefs Country. "The Official Cheers Leader of the Super Rugby Champions," proclaims a billboard for Waikato Draught, positioned on the northern outskirts of town.

The Rebels are a melting pot of nationalities and rarely click but when they do they have the ability to torch unsuspecting outfits who arrive at AAMI Park expecting to notch up a bonus-point win.

There is no overstating the importance of this next match for the Blues.

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.

With the sound of Steve Walsh's whistle still ringing in their ears, the Hurricanes have set up camp in Melbourne.

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.

An aqualung or the VO2 max of an Olympic rowing champion would've been handy in Sydney last night for a contest high on pace and flair but lacking in defence and structural composure.

The return of Jerome Kaino has taken competition for places among the All Black loose forwards to an even higher level.

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.