The Crusaders got more traction when they kept the ball instead of hoofing it downfield but still look a little uncertain about their attacking methods and transition, writes Wynne Gray.

If the Crusaders want to feature at the top end of the table, a handful of individuals need to take greater responsibility for their performances, writes Richard Loe.

How the Blues must be wondering when this interminable season is going to end. The defeats are blurring now.

Blues' first-five Dan Bowden knows what it's like to play outside Dan Carter and he insists the struggling All Black isn't finished yet.

Tell me if you've heard this before: Richie McCaw is looking old, the Crusaders are on the wane, Dan Carter is a shadow of his former self?

After watching the demolition job the Chiefs did on the Crusaders, there was one really disappointing aspect to emerge.

Relive all the action from the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and the Chiefs at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Something's just not right with the Crusaders. They tinker with their combinations, often swapping test men for test men but progress is marginal.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder is anticipating another "epic battle" in his team's derby with the Chiefs this weekend.

Colin Slade's decision to play overseas next year has just made Todd Blackadder's rebuilding job at the Crusaders in 2016 a whole lot tougher.

Crusaders pivot Colin Slade has signed a three-year contract with French club Pau, where he will earn about $700,000 a season.

The Highlanders certainly showed they have playoff credentials by going to Christchurch and winning. It was a statement win, writes Justin Marshall.

Time to take the Highlanders seriously. A victory in Christchurch suggests they are good enough to win this thing and no one should take their eye off them now.

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.

Slow to start before bubbling towards the playoffs.

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

A Cheetahs implosion or a Crusaders miracle - it doesn't matter. Al that does is that midway through the second half last night the Crusaders came alive.

Holding pattern or way forward? That's the question which immediately springs to mind regarding Dan Carter's selection at second-five for the Crusaders today.