Rugby: Marshall gets rare chance before double hip surgery
Most rugby players carry niggling injuries during the season but James Marshall has struggled with the same complaint for the past four years.
Most rugby players carry niggling injuries during the season but James Marshall has struggled with the same complaint for the past four years.
Rugby writer Patrick McKendry is on hand to offer a Super 15 refresher course to those who weren't really paying attention the first time around.
Super Rugby will resume next week, with recruitment top of the agenda for all franchises - and it will be the battle for midfielders that will be most intense.
Wynne Gray says the $600,000-a-year deal is the right choice for Rene Ranger. He cannot make that money in New Zealand and there are no guarantees he will stay in the squad or stay injury free.
For Sir John Kirwan, mid-week matches against international sides are the heart and soul of the game.
The Brumbies have qualified for the Super Rugby finals for the first time in nine years after beating the Melbourne Rebels 39-17 at Canberra Stadium late on Friday.
The Chiefs changed the coaching landscape last year when they operated with four full-time coaches instead of the usual two.
You could almost hear Jamie Joseph, coach of the Highlanders, saying: 'Hang on ... what's going on here?'
As the centre of excellence moves north to Hamilton, last year's champs see adoration of Crusaders continue.
Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers from the weekend's Super 15 action.
Many aspects favoured the Blues. They were playing the lowest-ranked side, under cover on a fast track, chasing points for the playoffs and All Black berths.
Time to take control of your team, Sir John Kirwan, and the Blues boss can start by bringing his errant mentor and captain into line.
In his duties as AJ the Chicken, the Highlanders' mascot, Mr James tackled a streaker during the home team's victory over the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
The Highlanders finally woke from a deep slumber to dispatch the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night.
The Blues may progress in Super Rugby if they can win in Bloemfontein - but it is a big if.
Chiefs captain Craig Clarke was being tipped as the strongest contender for a fairytale call-up to the All Blacks today, with former All Blacks Jarrad Hoeata and Anthony Boric outside choices.
What a shame Sir Graham Henry was forced by Sanzar to apologise for his refreshing honesty, writes Paul Lewis.