The Australian conference leaders want to inflict further misery on their Blues hosts but plans to assess Jimmy Cowan's halfback credentials are in limbo.

Anyone looking at the 2015 Super Rugby points table would rate the Brumbies to spoil the Blues opening season foray on to Eden Park on Friday night in Auckland.

Israel Folau says there's no room for homophobes in rugby and he is certain homophobia is not a problem at the Waratahs.

Accusations of homophobic slurs have overshadowed the NSW Waratahs' commanding Super Rugby triumph over the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium.

Brumbies flanker Jarrad Butler is the man getting in the way of Super Rugby's most eagerly awaited match-up - and he couldn't care less.

Aaron Cruden's last-second penalty handed the Chiefs a narrow victory over the Brumbies in New Plymouth tonight.

It's off to Sydney then - which will host it's host final after the Waratahs clawed and scrapped their way into the last two.

He's already at another level, but superstar fullback Israel Folau is hoping to raise his game to impossible new heights in the Waratahs' semi-final against the Brumbies tomorrow.

I have been on holiday in Australia for a couple of weeks where I got the impression there's a fair bit of confidence brewing.

What a maddening night for the Chiefs. Their dream is over. They won't win their third successive title and they will only have themselves to blame.

Last year Brumbies back Robbie Coleman was best described as a handy utility, getting the odd gig off the bench.

The Blues have secured their spot in the 2024 Super Rugby finals, beating the Brumbies 34-20. Video / Sky Sport

Another season, the same old problem for Australian rugby. They're soft, writes Chris Rattue.

The road trip blues continue for Sir John Kirwan following his side's loss against the Brumbies at a wet Canberra Stadium.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the importance of the upcoming away games for the Blues and Chiefs.

Just a year ago the Brumbies went into their blockbuster derby against the Waratahs intent on exploiting the defence of a rookie named Israel Folau.

Stop the Waratahs' forward pack and you'll stifle try-scoring machine Israel Folau.

If the Hurricanes weren't panicking after losing their opening two games of the Super Rugby season they might need to change that approach after dropping their third.

The main message coming out of the Brumbies camp over flanker David Pocock's knee injury.

Images of the pre-season match between the Highlanders and Brumbies in Queenstown.