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.

The next fortnight should provide a snapshot of the direction in which the Chiefs are trending.

A confused Israel Folau is frustrated and disappointed by the Australian Rugby Union's decision to prevent him playing in Perth on Saturday.

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.

If the Chiefs can match their fast finishes with stronger starts then it will take a "special" team to upset the defending champions.

As part of his wide rugby brief, the former Aussie Rules player used his side's bye week to delay his journey home from Canberra to research training methods, ideas and sporting trends in his old code in Melbourne.

Malakai Fekitoa stayed firmly on the All Blacks' radar, providing the key attacking moments in the Highlanders win over the Bulls.

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.

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.

Mark Hammett clearly feels he's either taken the Hurricanes as far as he can or needs a change of scenery, says Herald rugby writer Patrick McKendry.

When the Chiefs first learned of Aaron Cruden's injury, the players' thoughts immediately turned to the first-five's ready-made replacement.

As the previously indestructible Aaron Cruden recovers from his broken thumb, the Chiefs must be wary of placing too much more pressure on the team's other iron man.