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

The Chiefs have mounting choices in their bid to stem a niggling pattern which has hit them mid-season.

Michael Leitch crossed the try line on Saturday in his first Super Rugby game in the country of his birth, helping the Chiefs to a 37-27 victory over the Cheetahs in Hamilton.

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.

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.

An ugly game produced an ugly result for the Chiefs in Durban this morning.

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.

Join us here for the live blog of tonight's Super Rugby clash between the Chiefs and the Highlanders at Waikato Stadium.

The problem with a guy like Johan Bardoul is this: you never quite know whether or not you should be taking him seriously.

The game against the Chiefs got away from them but I certainly wouldn't be pushing any panic buttons with the Crusaders just yet, writes Justin Marshall.

Saturday night's 40-16 win at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton saw the Chiefs' late blitz break open the game and confound those expecting the latest tense chapter in this rivalry.

Aaron Cruden would have wanted a big game, facing the man that could spoil his World Cup, and the Chiefs pivot did indeed impress.