They are flying high in the New Zealand conference and the Chiefs are about to be strengthened by the return from injury of three key players.

The Reds are holding their breath as in-form flanker Liam Gill has scans on his knee before Saturday night's Super 15 clash with the Bulls.

In his 27 years of coaching, Wayne Smith has never missed watching his team play live, but that's all about to change this weekend.

Zac Guildford made a popular return to the training field for the Crusaders today, impressing with his fitness despite an absence of almost two months.

Dave Rennie doesn't have Jamie Joseph's injury problems, but the Chiefs coach will have to manage his team wisely ahead of Friday night's match against the Highlanders.

Seven competition points represents a good South African trip for the Chiefs but other, less positive, numbers are worrying coach Dave Rennie.

The Chiefs have secured a bonus point victory against the Southern Kings, but had to withstand a big comeback from the home side, which was expected to struggle against the defending champions.

The Blues makeover is continuing with a syndicate making a multi-million dollar offer for a stake in the Super 15 rugby franchise.

Tracey Nelson looks at the key statistics ahead of this week's Super 15 clashes.

For a player who didn't practise his goalkicking much in pre-season, Chiefs fullback Gareth Anscombe is doing an excellent job of bluffing his way through.

With his alcohol issues resolved, Zac Guildford's return to the Crusaders is a massive boost for a team struggling for attacking inspiration, says Patrick McKendry.

Zac Guildford celebrated his latest reprieve in his fledgling rugby career with chocolate rather than a pint.

Zac Guildford says he has to earn back trust and respect after being reinstated to professional rugby by the NZRU this morning, after allegedly punching a partygoer.

The Chiefs and Blues have been the most potent New Zealand sides in the early stages of the Super 15.