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.

The Chiefs produced a performance tonight that suggested that their status as competition favourites is mired in reality, not myth.

Only four teams are unbeaten after two weeks of Super Rugby. The Hurricanes, Stormers, Chiefs and Cheetahs are the teams who have not lost.

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

If the Chiefs are looking to increase their physicality and reverse a growing hoodoo against Australian opposition, then recalling Liam Messam is a handy place to start.

The English Premiership academy system is rightly lauded for its success in promoting domestic talent.

Forget the Brumbies v Crusaders classics, Wallaby test prop Scott Sio says his Super Rugby side have found a new transtasman grudge rival: the Chiefs.

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

Few things inspire confidence in a team like a first-five with a fully functioning computer for a brain.

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.

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

With Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison visiting training this week, it's tempting to ponder how some of the Blues' best would handle a job swap.

The consistency that set the Chiefs apart during their title campaigns suddenly disappeared, the two-time defending champions winning their first three games but never enjoying another such streak.

The shadow of two World Cups hangs over Super Rugby, which kicks off next Friday, February 13.