Struggles may not be over but the signs are looking promising for Sir John Kirwan's men.

Richard Kahui sees himself as unlucky rather than being a victim of a position that takes lumps out of even the most robust.

Watch a replay of tonight's Super Rugby clash between the Highlanders and the Chiefs fropm Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

We want to see if you are going to give the series a shake and exhibit the ticker and skill for this competition, writes rugby columnist Wynne Gray.

The Super Rugby season proper starts this weekend - for the Chiefs, it's time once again to earn some respect.

TJ Perenara is will begin the season in the No9 jumper for the Hurricanes, after recovering from an ankle inury last year.

The father of All Black props Ben and Owen Franks has defended the modern practice of taking supplements - saying they're used for recovery purposes.

John Kirwan works the room intensely. It is a balancing act for the Blues coach as he searches for the player interaction that is necessary to develop the franchise.

Michael Cheika is seen as the man to lead Australia's biggest rugby franchise to the promised land.

Super rugby is billed as a massive tri-nations provincial series. But tonight looks more like an event for sparklers rather than any whizz-bang skyrockets and trumpets flourish.

Young workaholic fullback Piutau is raring to for Auckland against Highlanders after recovering from a foot injury.

There is a formidable look about the Sharks line-up as they eye their opening match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein next Sunday.

Piri Weepu reckons he has brought his A-frame and a reformed attitude for his second campaign with the Blues.

Chiefs midfielder Richard Kahui has put an end to the speculation and confirmed he is leaving New Zealand to play rugby in Japan.