The Crusaders ran riot with eight tries in a 52-10 hammering of the Sharks in South Africa this morning to lay down the biggest marker in round eight of Super Rugby.

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.

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.

Join us here for tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby showdown between the Chiefs and the Crusaders from Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

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.

Join our live blog of the Super Rugby clash between South Island rivals the Highlanders and the Crusaders in Dunedin.