![Wynne Gray: Contrasting routes to showdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=806)
Wynne Gray: Contrasting routes to showdown
The Chiefs are the most lethal try-scoring side in the Super 15 and near the best with their defensive line, while the Crusaders are average in both categories.
The Chiefs are the most lethal try-scoring side in the Super 15 and near the best with their defensive line, while the Crusaders are average in both categories.
Everything is stacked against the Chiefs, said my mate who is a rabid supporter of the franchise.
The 30-year-old Blues halfback has made a full recovery from his minor stroke and minor heart surgery and was back to his old chipper self when talking to the media.
The Blues are welcoming back their reinforcements, and not before time.
It's time for the Hurricanes to make a move up the ladder. With two home games in the coming weeks, coach Mark Hammett's side must cash in at Westpac Stadium when the Blues and Reds go to Wellington.
The Crusaders clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton this weekend comes at the perfect time.
The Crusaders are already looking towards one of the toughest trips in Super Rugby - a long-haul flight home to face the Chiefs in Hamilton next weekend.
Piri Weepu is back training at the Blues after his stroke and heart operation and is expected to be available to play the Waratahs at Eden Park next week.
After struggling to get their attack going this season, the points came in an avalanche for the Crusaders this morning against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, the bonus point victory inspired by Colin Slade and helped by a Nemani Nadolo hat-trick.
It has become a constant theme that a lot of refereeing decisions being made in Super Rugby are fairly average, writes Richard Loe.
Last year's easy beats are anything but this season, as tonight's convincing victory over the Bulls under the Dunedin roof so clearly showed.
Two Super 15 titles are more than enough to suggest the Chiefs know what they are doing, writes Wynne Gray. We like what they are up to.
If the Chiefs can match their fast finishes with stronger starts then it will take a "special" team to upset the defending champions.
It's a victory for children of the 1970s. Brad Thorn and Victor Matfield lacing up the boots to go at it in a Super Rugby match tonight.
Two words were all Mark Hammett needed. Ever since he set foot in the Hurricanes' landscape, one thing has been clear; he thought this franchise needed a shake-up.
Whoever takes on coaching the Hurricanes will not have an easy ride to win the public over.
After strangling the Lions with their strict adherence to a kick-first game plan, the Crusaders are keen to meet fire with fire against the free-running Cheetahs, but assistant coach Aaron Mauger has called for a balanced, rather than a reckless, attack.
The Brumbies will throw a teenage part-time bar worker up against two Wallabies locks when they take on the Queensland Reds in Brisbane tonight.
Aaron Cruden's broken thumb has caused chaos for fantasy owners as Dream Team Fantasy Super Rugby enters its second chance phase.
The Waikato Draught will flow in the stands, a cacophony of cow bells will greet every opposition shot at goal, and the name of either Liam Messam or Aaron Cruden will be present in the starting XV.
Outgoing Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett said it was not the time to reminisce after announcing he would leave the franchise after this season
Coach Mark Hammett has announced he will not be seeking re-appointment after this season, writes Gregor Paul. The knives can be put away.