The waiting is almost over for the Crusaders.

They're traditionally slow starters in Super Rugby but losses to the Rebels and the Chiefs and an unconvincing win over the Highlanders may have some alarm bells ringing in Christchurch.

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.

Gregor Paul on Dan Carter: 'Once he could hop about on one leg and still be the All Blacks' preferred choice at first five."

In another compelling Southern derby, the Crusaders held off a late charge from the Highlanders to claim their first win of the Super Rugby season.

New Zealand Herald rugby scribes Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry discuss Dan Carters future as the five-five struggles with injury again in World Cup year.

Three days on and updates about Daniel Carter's latest leg injury are fuzzy.

Those inclined to provoke early season niggle will declare the Crusaders are toast, the Bulls are crisping and the Reds are burned offerings.

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.

Second, losing to the Waratahs in the Sydney final. Traditionally slow burners, the Crusaders slipped uncomfortably back into a familiar pattern.

Super Rugby begins its 20th year tonight with maybe not even a quarter of the excitement and intrigue as it did in Palmerston North 1996.

The Crusaders' proposal to hold a home game against the Hurricanes in Fiji next season has been signed off by the franchise's board, but it has yet to convince the New Zealand Players' Association, which remains concerned about the fixture.