The Crusaders clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton this weekend comes at the perfect time.

The Crusaders are already looking towards one of the toughest trips in Super Rugby - a long-haul flight home to face the Chiefs in Hamilton next weekend.

After struggling to get their attack going this season, the points came in an avalanche for the Crusaders this morning against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, the bonus point victory inspired by Colin Slade and helped by a Nemani Nadolo hat-trick.

After a lacklustre start to the season, including two defeats at home, the Crusaders have at last set a record for the right reasons.

A thriller of a match between two struggling teams was settled by a stunning try from Hurricanes wing Alapati Leiua.

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

The limelight has never seduced Kieran Read but he understands it is a consequence of his play.

They were the only NZ franchise to taste victory this week - a vital first win of 2014 for the Crusaders.

The Crusaders won't get close to winning the Super title playing as they did against the Stormers.

The Crusaders have pinched a late win over the Stormers to earn their first points of the Super Rugby season.

Join us here for live coverage of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and the Stormers from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Coaching inbreeding has turned the champs into comparative chumps, writes Chris Rattue. "That backline is about as exciting and instinctive as a North Korean political rally."

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the progress the Crusaders and Hurricanes have made this far into the Super Rugby season. Rugby Herald will be with you every week as the season unfolds.

Richie McCaw needs surgery to insert a screw into his broken left thumb which could have All Blacks coach Steve Hansen looking nervously at the calendar.

First Daniel Carter, now Richie McCaw - the Crusaders are going to have to claw their way back into Super Rugby without either of their star players featuring much before June.

The Crusaders haven't had the start they wanted but I wouldn't be too worried about their longer term prospects. Not yet, anyway, writes Richard Loe.

The Blues showed their passion, class and skill to come back into the match and beat the Crusaders 35 - 24. Herald photographer Richard Robinson was there.

Auckland Blues head coach John Kirwan says his team still has plenty of work to do even after outplaying the Crusaders at Eden Park 35-24.

Herald Rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry give their expert opinion and analysis after the Blues outplayed the Crusaders at Eden Park.

This rollercoaster of a victory over the old enemy has eased the pressure on the Blues - and will also cause a fair bit of soul-searching in Christchurch.

Join us here for live coverage of the Super Rugby match-up between the Blues and the Crusaders from Eden Park in Auckland.