Super Rugby kicking off
Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray look towards the start of the NZ matches in the 2015 Super Rugby season, who will win and who will fail?. Herald Rugby will be with you every week as the season unfolds.
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Chiefs to win again?
The Rugby Herald team give their expert opinion & analysis on the upcoming 2014 Super Rugby season. Radio Sports Nigel Yalden joins Gregor Paul from the Herald on Sunday and Patrick McKendry from APNZ newswire to 'crystal ball' the season ahead.
Rugby: Marshall likely to bide time on bench in opener
This week's Blues' team announcement for their opening match of the season will be keenly awaited because of Benji Marshall's arrival.
Rugby: Blues to get back onside with refs
The Blues believe they developed an image problem with referees last year and have hatched a plan to turn it around.
Go-karting with the Blues
Blues players Keven Mealamu and Francis Saili took on the other New Zealand Super Rugby franchises in a go-kart race to mark the start of the Super Rugby season. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube
Kirwan: Blues team to face the Chiefs
Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan talks about the team named to face the Chiefs in a pre-season hit-out in Rotorua on Friday. Courtesy Blues/YouTube
Bullock Track: 'Blues' extras
There was no weekend lie in for a handful of Blues players as they got up early for hill sprints up Western Spring's renowned Bullock Track...18 times. Courtesy Blues/YouTube
Blues v Waratahs pre-season highlights
Video highlights of the Blues' 33-12 loss to the New South Wales Waratahs in a pre-season hit-out at Allianz Stadium on Friday February 7. Courtesy Blues/YouTube.
Rugby: Blues hooker sees rationale for late start
It's a late start for Keven Mealamu at the Blues again this season, but there's no lack of excitement, due in part to the freshness of a new year.
Patrick McKendry: Importance of good start makes Blues call risky
The arguments for and against resting Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu for the Blues' first game of the season against the Highlanders, writes Patrick McKendry.
Rugby: Blues side weakened by lack of key men
All Black front-rowers Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu will sit out the Blues' opening match of the season against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Wynne Gray: Benji's on drip feed rather than fast forward
Benji, alone, will not be the side's saviour but if the team sparks and his talent begins to flow, the Blues will be an awkward opponent, writes Wynne Gray
Rugby: Migraine sufferer Kerr gets his head together at Blues
When Baden Kerr prepares for a game he knows there is every chance it will end in pain. As a migraine sufferer, the slightest head knock can lead to symptoms.
Rugby: Marshall shrugs off fuss over Oz return
Amid the hype of Benji Marshall's impending return to Sydney - this time as a rugby player - the man himself appears to have his feet firmly on the ground.
Rugby: Kirwan's boys look beautiful in blue, but will it help win matches?
John Kirwan hasn't been slow to usher in his unique fashion sense, cultivated during a former role as coach of Italy, to the Blues.
Rugby: Marshall gets off to solid start for Blues
Benji Marshall will return to the rugby league stronghold of Sydney for the continuation of his rugby union education with some confidence after a 40-minute hit-out against the Hurricanes at Masterton.
Benji faces battle for shirt
Benji-mania might be sweeping the Blues' fanbase but there were few clues as to which of the three options at first five-eighths will make it to the Super Rugby start line later this month.
Rugby: Talented Blues backline bit of a complex jigsaw
John Kirwan says Ma'a Nonu has been a joy to deal with. The player himself has added that he's "pretty motivated" following his return to the Blues.
Surgery to delay Nonu's return
Ma'a Nonu's return to the Blues after his disastrous season at the Highlanders is likely to be delayed by ankle surgery.
Kaino sets sights on All Blacks
Former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino, about to return home after two years in Japan, says wearing the black jersey again was the main reason for signing with the Blues.
Rugby: Weepu teaching Marshall subtleties of his adopted code
Piri Weepu is easing his way into the new season following knee surgery
Fitness work paying off for Benji
Blues assistant coach Graham Henry says Benji Marshall's fitness work is paying off after the former league international turned up for training out of condition in November.
Rugby: Injury blow strikes Blues
The Blues have been dealt a big blow even before the season has begun - Culum Retallick has been ruled out of action for six months, while SBW is said to be joining Counties.