A message to those nasty aliens - take us to your leader immediately so we can demand the return of the real Dan Carter.

If there was a surprise to come out of last night, it was the length of time it took the Crusaders to rid themselves of a troublesome case of mediocrity.

The Crusaders convincingly beat the Sharks 36-8 in tonight's Super Rugby playoff final at Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

Ali Williams' try seals the Waratahs' playoff fate.

Science lets referees off the hook over many passes that, to the uneducated masses, seem forward.

The Blues have booked their place into next week's Super Rugby semifinal with a 26-13 over the Waratahs at Eden Park.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has made one change to the starting team that beat the Bulls last weekend.

Stormy weather and low ticket sales will not deter the Blues' biggest fans from heading out to watch their game tonight.

Sonny Bill Williams admitted yesterday he felt "weighed down" by his last boxing bout.

Many sportsmen underestimate the power of the mind but Ali Williams embraces it.

If it weren't for his injury break, you'd imagine Graham Henry would be pretty happy with the way Sam Whitelock's season was tracking.

Josh Holmes was today picked to start at halfback for the injury-hit Waratahs to face the Blues tomorrow in their semifinal.

Key Crusaders backline players Sonny Bill Williams and Sean Maitland have been named in the starting line-up to face the Sharks.

The All Blacks five-eighths carousel whirls on with Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade back in favour.