The Crusaders risk having their party balloons burst by the Reds in a Super 15 rugby match in Brisbane on Sunday night.

Crusaders front-rowers Wyatt Crockett and Corey Flynn have re-signed with the Crusaders and NZRU.

The Crusaders have been boosted by the return of Brad Thorn and Sonny Bill Williams for Sunday's clash against the Reds.

All Black captain Richie McCaw announced today he has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union for another four years.

Read all about it - Richie McCaw will stay in New Zealand on a long-term deal.

Todd Blackadder believes Sonny Bill Williams should get the same treatment from the NZRU as Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.

Stats guru Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers from the weekend's Super 15 action where missed tackles were on the up.

All Blacks first-five eighth Dan Carter sparked the Crusaders to a 25-19 win over the Chiefs in Napier.

Stats guru Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers ahead of the Super 15 fixtures this week.

Israel Dagg is still hanging on to his dream to play for the All Blacks at the World Cup despite being sidelined for the next three months.

Superb one week, mixed the next. The Crusaders are not alone in that form fluctuation though they have less tremors than most teams.

Stats guru Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers ahead of this week's Super 15 action.

Herald rugby writer Dylan Cleaver breaks down the six Super 15 matches taking place over the next three days.

Get the inside word on the odds ahead of this week's Super 15 action.