Rugby: Injury-hit Chiefs face huge test of depth in line-up
If the Chiefs wanted an early examination of their three-peat chances, visiting the Crusaders and leaving 10 players at home fits the bill.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest fromSuper Rugby
Rugby: Joseph upbeat despite Highlanders' lack of tries in the pre-season
The Highlanders have scored only three tries in the pre-season but coach Jamie Joseph is not pushing any panic buttons over his attack.
Rugby: Moody refuses to be counted out
Joe Moody credits his wrestling background with providing him with the requisite mental strength for top rugby and he will need all of that determination this season as he battles back from ankle surgery.
Rugby: Highlanders out for redemption
Redemption is the primary goal for the Highlanders in 2014.
Rugby: Southerners must regain the respect of supporters
It is not often a team's season can be decided by one game but for the Highlanders that may be the case.
Rugby: Marshall likely to bide time on bench in opener
This week's Blues' team announcement for their opening match of the season will be keenly awaited because of Benji Marshall's arrival.
Rugby: Rising hard man ready to hook into role
There is a lot of hair to dig under, but a journey to the centre of Liam Coltman would reveal a core that is solid, durable and unlikely to melt even if a blowtorch is applied.
Wynne Gray: First challenge to win over fan base
Best thing about the Highlanders? Their foxy home stadium, the Smiths, Nasi Manu and Brad Thorn, writes Wynne Gray.
Richard Loe: Fans want teams to bring it on, not rotation carry-on
I can't, for the life of me, understand the concept of resting the All Blacks for the opening rounds of Super Rugby.
Rugby: Super title test marked out of ten
No team has won a Super Rugby title without a test-class first-five: Carlos Spencer, Andrew Mehrtens, Stephen Larkham, Daniel Carter, Morne Steyn, Quade Cooper and Aaron Cruden are the title-winning 10s. Gregor Paul assesses the current crop of New Zealan
Wynne Gray: Super series withdrawal almost over
Rugby fans, are you dark that the All Blacks missed the big gong at the Halberg Awards, that league has invaded Eden Park and the Super 15 kicks off early tomorrow?
Justin Marshall: Managing June window will be key to winning, just as it was last season
Rugby season is upon us again and for me there is added intrigue in that 2014 might be the last time we see Super rugby in this format.
Rugby: Blues to get back onside with refs
The Blues believe they developed an image problem with referees last year and have hatched a plan to turn it around.
Rugby: Forget the rest ... it's time for the best
The first round of Super rugby is upon us. For many New Zealand sports lovers, it's time to say goodbye to the lip service they pay to other codes - the real action has begun.
Rugby: Robinson relegated to couch
Robbie Robinson's day usually goes something like this: Go to Chiefs HQ at Ruakura, do a weights session, go home and sit on the couch.
Rugby: Blues hooker sees rationale for late start
It's a late start for Keven Mealamu at the Blues again this season, but there's no lack of excitement, due in part to the freshness of a new year.
Patrick McKendry: Importance of good start makes Blues call risky
The arguments for and against resting Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu for the Blues' first game of the season against the Highlanders, writes Patrick McKendry.
Rugby: Blues side weakened by lack of key men
All Black front-rowers Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu will sit out the Blues' opening match of the season against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Rugby: Second tier loss a crying shame
It's the year of overseas opportunity for New Zealand's second-tier rugby players.
Rugby: Crusaders triumph without star trio
The Crusaders have started its 2014 season on a winning note, despite missing its superstar trio.
Wynne Gray: Benji's on drip feed rather than fast forward
Benji, alone, will not be the side's saviour but if the team sparks and his talent begins to flow, the Blues will be an awkward opponent, writes Wynne Gray
Rugby: Migraine sufferer Kerr gets his head together at Blues
When Baden Kerr prepares for a game he knows there is every chance it will end in pain. As a migraine sufferer, the slightest head knock can lead to symptoms.