As the Hurricanes struggled through an indifferent start to their Super Rugby campaign one thing never wavered.

The Blues might as well cut their losses on the Benji Marshall experiment before his alleged rugby union education causes a calamity, writes Chris Rattue.

Luke Romano's calf injury has forced him to miss the Crusaders' trip to South Africa.

Sharks coach Jake White couldn't resist taking pot shots at Waratahs counterpart Michael Cheika after his Super Rugby leaders niggled their way to a spiteful 32-10 victory.

It is the collective effort of the Blues in keeping the Highlanders try-less in their 30-12 victory at Eden Park which suggests John Kirwan's team are beginning to gain traction.

There's no place like home for the Queensland Reds, who highlighted their love of Suncorp Stadium with a pressure-relieving 22-17 victory over the Stormers.

Israel Folau admits he's still only a 50-50 prospect of returning for the Waratahs next weekend despite flying out for South Africa on Saturday.

This match probably confirmed that the Stormers won't be Super Rugby champions this year and won't make the play-offs, based on this form.

It wouldn't be a surprise if there are some high profile Super Rugby transfers at the end of this year - big-name All Blacks deciding they need to switch franchise having lost faith in their coaching regimes.

The immediate threat to New Zealand of Australia announcing plans to launch a nine-team provincial championship in August this year won’t be obvious.

The Blues looked a lot less like the Blues tonight and yet they also looked a lot more like potential playoff contenders.

Watch a replay of our live blog fom the Super Rugby clash between the Blues and the Highlanders from Eden Park in Auckland.

The Chiefs pride themselves on their depth and that will be tested after making eight changes to the side to face the Bulls tomorrow morning in Pretoria.

Jerome Kaino is back in the No 6 jersey, but Blues' forwards coach Mick Byrne has warned against expecting too much too soon.

The limelight has never seduced Kieran Read but he understands it is a consequence of his play.

Tim Bateman doesn't see himself as the saviour of the Hurricanes' backline.

It was Piri Weepu's speech problems while with the Blues in South Africa that prompted the scan that revealed he had played three matches after suffering a minor stroke.

After struggling all season at the lineout, the Chiefs are set for a torrid time when they line up against the Bulls this weekend.

Buxton Popoali'i is counting his blessings he is still alive.

As he prepares to test himself against the other in-form New Zealand fullback, Charles Piutau says he wishes his consistency could reach that of rival Ben Smith.

A person suspected of suffering a stroke should not even drive a car, never mind play a game of rugby, a stroke expert says.

Bateman Returns! The headline was simple and it wasn't a typo. The Hurricanes' fans finally have something to cheer about!

Melbourne Rebel Colby Fainga'a has a point to prove when he faces his former Brumbies teammates in their Super Rugby clash tonight.

Ma'a Nonu, Jerome Kaino, Hayden Triggs and Bryn Hall have all been promoted from the reserves bench to start for the Blues against the Highlanders at Eden Park on Saturday night.