The Chiefs have claimed the New Zealand conference title thanks to the Crusaders' unimpressive 25 - 17 victory over the Hurricanes in Christchurch tonight.

Watch a replay of our live blog from the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and Hurricanes in Christchurch tonight.

Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers ahead of the final round of the 2013 Super 15 regular season.

The Blues have begun their search for locks and captain Ali Williams is sure that hunt will turn up some fine talent for next year's Super 15.

Pre-season the Blues' mantra is set. "Better Never Stops" is the slogan plastered around the walls at their headquarters in suburban Pt Chevalier.

Captain Ali Williams will complete a remarkable record in his last game for the Blues on Saturday.

Jamie Joseph's water-tight contract makes him safe until the end of next year, but his assistants might not be so lucky.

James O'Connor's week just keeps getting worse.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw could be back in the Super 15 next week if Saturday's highly-anticipated return to club rugby is a success.

The Highlanders will play the final match of their disastrous season against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday but no matter what the result is.

Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers from the weekend's Super 15 action.

A season low on expectation but with plenty of highlights is threatening to come to a rather downbeat conclusion for the Blues.

The Highlanders may very well finish the Super 15 with the wooden spoon - but forgive coach Jamie Joseph for feeling rueful about what might have been.

With one week of Super rugby remaining, the top six are confirmed, but the final order is anything but certain.

A performance to celebrate - and there was plenty of toasting in the changing rooms afterwards, but the Crusaders have quickly put their stunning victory over the Chiefs in its place.

There's no doubt the Blues need a bit of star quality at first five-eighths next year but their biggest concern on the recruitment front is strengthening a tight five precariously short of depth and genuine clout.

Jerome Kaino has had an offer to come home - but must decide whether he's willing to take an estimated $500,000 pay cut to play for the Blues next year and have a crack at making the All Blacks World Cup squad.

It's not often that a dead game has so much life.

My pick is that Ma'a Nonu will stay with the Highlanders. There's two reasons for that: Jamie Joseph is still prepared to take him on and the other is probably no one else is.

After years of searching and endless rejections, the Blues may have at last found their world-class No 10 - with Beauden Barrett understood to be seriously contemplating a shift to Auckland.