The Chiefs once again proved why they are the defending champions, winning over the Highlanders 21-19.

It's early in the piece to be definitive, but the Chiefs gave a strong hint tonight that they can collect a third consecutive championship.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the winners and losers from the first weekend of Super Rugby.Rugby Herald will be with you every week as the season unfolds.

The Chiefs had injury dramas before they played the Crusaders, now they have even more but frankly, I doubt whether it will slow them down much, writes Richard Loe.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie laments the penalties and the injuries but will take the win, Richie McCaw and Todd Blackadder say the Crusaders didn't take their chances and were 'thier own worst enemy'.

As a statement, this is about as good as it gets from the Chiefs.

Join us here for tonight's live blog from the Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Chiefs from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Herald columnist Justin Marshall breaks down the five franchises ahead of this weekend's NZ Super Rugby launch.

This Chiefs appear as well-equipped as any champions to rise above the impediments and repeat their Super Rugby success.

If co-captaining the Chiefs changes nothing else for Aaron Cruden, it at least provides a legitimate reason to chirp at the ref.

It's hard to believe the Chiefs spend any time away from each other.

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.

Robbie Robinson's day usually goes something like this: Go to Chiefs HQ at Ruakura, do a weights session, go home and sit on the couch.

Former All Blacks and Chiefs midfielder Sonny Bill Williams is to return to New Zealand rugby, it was announced today.

There is little doubt that the New Zealand Super Rugby conference is the most difficult.