The Warriors' performance against the Cronulla Sharks was the worst ever because they were wiped out by a struggling side, writes Chris Rattue.

After an intriguing weekend of rugby, the Blues, Crusaders and Chiefs deserve close attention - and there's one player who warrants a special mention: the ageless Andy Ellis.

From the high of their bonus-point victory over the Highlanders to a new low of being dismantled by the Brumbies.

After a lacklustre start to the season, including two defeats at home, the Crusaders have at last set a record for the right reasons.

Aaron Cruden sounded like a captain who didn't know whether to laugh or cry after another staggering comeback draw in South Africa.

It used to be that New Zealand was no country for old men. Now it seems it is a place only for old men.

Foundation Super rugby commissioner Peter Thorburn remains a devout but perplexed follower of the professional competition.

After a loss and a draw to date on their tour, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says it's essential his side triumph in the final fixture of their road trip.

Ellis Park, that bastion of South African rugby, is where the Crusaders will undergo a severe test of their spirit tomorrow morning.

After a steady start to the Super 15, Julian Savea exploded against the Crusaders.

The road trip blues continue for Sir John Kirwan following his side's loss against the Brumbies at a wet Canberra Stadium.

I have spent the past week with my head buried in spreadsheets. This is horrifying to me for a number of reasons, two of which being I have wasted my entire adult life making bad jokes about my brother being an accountant...

Something is happening at the Blues and Jerome Kaino and Ma'a Nonu are at the forefront of the revolution.

The Highlanders return to the cosy confines of Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin tonight to give us some great opportunities in round eight of Dream Team Fantasy Super Rugby.

The comeback against the Bulls was created by long-range raids but the Chiefs would be content with scoring in less spectacular style.

The Reds have suffered another blow to their injury-riddled outside back division with Lachie Turner forced out of their Super Rugby derby against the Force.

The Hurricanes won't lack for clear communication this weekend. As Mark Hammett's side welcome back Victor Vito and Cory Jane from their injuries, the international pair bring with them a dose of leadership.

The Blues are about to face an Australian side for the first time this season and the Brumbies' resurgent scrum, which has reaped two penalty tries in as many weeks, could pose a new set of problems.

Chiefs forwards coach Tom Coventry knows opposition sides will target his team's lineout - it's exactly what he would do.

These last few weeks have seen an increasing number of players indulge in unnecessary, cheap stuff that is designed to infuriate opponents, writes Gregor Paul.