His efforts against the Blues left little doubt that Damian McKenzie is a young man full of belief in his own abilities.

A key cause of last year's inconsistent Chiefs campaign was the mid-season absence of Aaron Cruden.

With lock Patrick Tuipulotu on the brink of returning, John Kirwan's thoughts as he left Auckland yesterday for Sydney on the first leg of the Blues' journey to South Africa might have been how to....

It might not be a wise idea to be cautiously optimistic about the Blues' chances this year in the wake of a first round defeat, but they did enough for judgement to at least be reserved.

No surprise the Blues came second. Not against the Chiefs who have hovered around the top of the competition for the last few years while the Blues have puttered along in their own slurry.

Live updates of the Super Rugby encounter between the Blues and Chiefs at North Harbour Stadium.

Pain has been a constant companion for Blues loose forward Luke Braid for much of the past two seasons.

Justin Marshall, in the first of his twice-weekly columns, casts his eyes over the strengths and weaknesses of the New Zealand franchises.

More of the same, with the Blues repeating their 10th-place finish from 2013 to leave their record of 32 games played under John Kirwan's command for 13 wins and 19....

We know Keven Mealamu will sit out Super Rugby for a month but the Blues will begin the tournament with an entire All Black front row this weekend.

Blues coach John Kirwan has already made mention of his satisfaction at Steven Luatua's leadership at this early stage of the season.

New season, same old problems for Blues coach John Kirwan, who must consider a delicate juggling act with his loose forwards ahead of the first competition game against the Chiefs.

New Zealand's sevens sensation Rieko Ioane has the Blues to thank for honing his form, with coach John Kirwan comparing his style to Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams.

Former All Black Jimmy Cowan has quickly made himself comfortable in Auckland to the point where he is turning halfback into one of the most contestable positions at the Blues.

This time last year, an outstanding pre-season campaign set up Patrick Tuipulotu for inclusion in the All Blacks after only a handful of games for the Blues.

The Blues will today officially announce a new $4 million purpose-built training and administrative headquarters at Alexandra Park in Auckland.

John Kirwan is adamant the Blues Super Rugby franchise is heading in the right direction, despite a difficult few days after George Moala was found guilty in the courts of assault and the termination of Peter Saili's contract.

George Moala is free to train, play and travel with the Blues until May 1, despite being found guilty last week of assault.

The Blues' confirmation that George Moala will return while the judicial process is completed is a slap in the face to victims of violence everywhere, writes Chris Rattue.

Blues wing George Moala will return to train with the side after being found guilty of wounding with intent over a late night fight two years ago.

The Blues could be trotting off to Alexandra Park where they will establish their new training base and headquarters, possibly by as early as November.

Peter Saili's Super Rugby career came to an abrupt end yesterday with the NZRU terminating his contract as the Blues forward eyes up an offer to play in France.

The jury in the assault trial of Blues rugby player George Moala has found him guilty on one charge.

Peter Saili to move to France after New Zealand Rugby Union and the Blues reached an agreement to end his employment with immediate effect..

The defence lawyer for George Moala's brother says a nightclub fight was caused by "oafish" drunks trying to bait the rugby star.

The girlfriend of an Auckland rugby star said he was trying to protect her when he got involved in a fracas that led to him being charged by police.

The man allegedly attacked by an Auckland rugby star has told the court about the moment he regained consciousness with blood "spraying" from his neck.