Ask Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph about his side's "battlers" tag and see what happens. Actually, let me save you the trouble.

At the start of the season it was mentioned that the Highlanders had a tough draw and how important it was that they got away to a good start because they're going to feel the brunt at the end with....

Something mysterious is going on around this Highlanders mob; they are somehow winning matches which they have no right to win.

Join us here for the live blog of tonight's Super Rugby clash between the Chiefs and the Highlanders at Waikato Stadium.

The Highlanders scored a late try through Waisake Naholo to earn their first win of the season against the Reds in Dunedin.

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.

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.

Finished sixth - beaten in playoffs. Devoid of stars and coming off the back of a horror campaign in 2013, the Highlanders were the tournament's big surprise last year.

Twelve months is a long time in professional rugby.

When the Highlanders look for a "How to beat the Sharks" guide, they can roll through the tape of their Anzac Day demo job in Durban.

White knows that losing just as easily becomes a habit and that is why the Sharks were so desperate for a turnaround in fortunes before the play-offs after the loss to the Cheetahs.

The Highlanders are down but not out. Having claimed the final playoff spot despite losing to the Crusaders they are on their way to Durban.

A good night's work led to a good night's kip for the Crusaders. They got their four-try victory and with it, the near certainty that the Sharks, who played overnight, couldn't knock them out of second place.

The Crusaders are not everyone's model rugby side. But they understand the basics needed to achieve victories and for that, they need to be admired.

Relive all the action from tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and Highlanders, from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

It will be the first time in two years Smith has not been available for the Highlanders. A leg infection, kept him in hospital across the Ditch for three nights

Take a decent bow you Highlanders. It's been a while since you gave Super Rugby a decent rattle and your season-ticketholders much to cheer about, writes Wynne Gray.

The Highlanders may not even have to win one of their final two games to gain a playoff spot as the cards continue to fall their way.