Those nagging goal-kicking issues won't go away for New Zealand first fives Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden in this year's Super Rugby competition.

Brodie Retallick's return from injury against the Blues illustrated just why an offshore move could prove an appealing prospect.

It's become a painful business watching the season play out for the Blues, writes Gregor Paul.

Join us here for tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby showdown between the Chiefs and the Blues from Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Herald columnist Justin Marshall identifies the three big match-ups that will determine tonight’s northern derby.

After missing five weeks - the longest injury lay-off of his professional career - Retallick is back to bolster a Chiefs team that have struggled for consistency in recent weeks.

Sam Cane's outstanding season is set to enter uncharted territory against the Blues on Saturday night.

Some of the same issues remain but the Chiefs were able to see off the Cheetahs this afternoon while still playing short of their best.

Damian McKenzie was one of the Chiefs' best in their recent trip to the Republic, earning a third straight start in the No 15 jersey for this afternoon's meeting with the Cheetahs.

The continued ill discipline in Super Rugby could lead to a serious, even tragic, injury if players aren't more careful, writes Justin Marshall.

If the Chiefs wish to break the unfortunate pattern they are following, the next fortnight presents an ideal opportunity.

In tough conditions in Durban with a numerical advantage after a rash of indiscipline, the Chiefs lost their way. Among that mess was Aaron Cruden, writes Wynne Gray.

Two recent incidents in which high-profile All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams and Jerome Kaino have effectively played on after suffering bad head knocks have placed the off-field concussion test in the spotlight.

One week they had a spectacular scrum and an impotent attack. Seven days later the situation was reversed.

Sonny Bill Williams will miss the Chiefs' encounter with the Sharks but the second-five is symptom-free after suffering concussion last weekend.

James Lowe and Bryce Heem have already added much-needed bite to the Chiefs' backline this season and the pair will again be called upon this Sunday in Durban.

Some teams would wilt in the face of a formidable Stormers defence that appeared determined to dominate the collision from the outset.

Speed was the weapon of choice as the Chiefs gunned down the Super Rugby leaders, running in three tries in Cape Town to bounce back in style from last weekend's loss to the Highlanders.

With the powerful Stormers pack and destructive defence having taken them to the top of the competition, the Chiefs know they need to avoid their opponents' strengths.

Marty Banks kicked two penalties in the final five minutes to overturn a deficit and help the Highlanders to a last-minute win over the Chiefs.