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.

Blues coach Pat Lam can't get away from the Waratahs. Even at home they are seared in his psyche.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has all but ended Chiefs first five-eighth Stephen Donald's hopes of playing at the Rugby World Cup.

The return of halfback Alby Mathewson is the sole change to the Blues' starting 15 to face the Waratahs.

The TAB looks back over the Super 15 action from the weekend.

Chiefs winger Sitiveni Sivivatu's hopes of making the All Blacks' rugby World Cup squad have received a boost.

Timing counts for much in rugby and the Blues have got their schedule in sync for their upcoming mini-World Cup.

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

The Blues had zeroed their research in on the Bulls, suspecting they would meet the defending rugby champions in this week's Super 15 playoffs.

The Chiefs' season ended with a typically hollow thud in Hamilton, writes Chris Rattue.

All Black captain Richie McCaw is likely to spend another week in the coaches' box alongside Todd Blackadder and Daryl Gibson.

The Reds have beaten the Chiefs 19-11 in their Super 15 clash at Waikato Stadium.

The All Black superstar says he will not be forced out by Christchurch's earthquakes.

Home match possible next weekend after win over Highlanders in difficult conditions.