Considering the Chiefs lost five from five against the Kiwi sides still alive in the Super Rugby playoffs, no arguments can be made of an unjust exit.

First-five Otere Black has slotted 13 from 14, striking the ball nicely, while Mitch Hunt, who should be named at fullback, has 10 from 13.

Chris Rattue reveals the two rugby and league players who are on his must-watch list.

If the Hurricanes turn up with their heads in the right place, there's no question they are good enough to win this competition, writes Christian Cullen.

The Hurricanes showed why they're the favourites to take their maiden title with a 21-13 win over the Chiefs in New Plymouth.

Follow along live with all the action as the Chiefs take on the Hurricanes at 7.35pm at Yarrow Stadium.

The Hurricanes used to label New Plymouth and the Taranaki region as "home" but after years of perceived neglect, the province threw their lot in with the Chiefs.

The Hurricanes will top the standings and play at home during the finals but the rest of the ladder will be determined this weekend.

The death of Jerry Collins was keenly felt in New Zealand last night - especially in Napier where his former Hurricanes had the difficult task of playing after the news broke.

A dark day for the franchise ended on a bright note when the Hurricanes clinched top spot for the first time in Super Rugby history.

Much of the speculative money this week has been on lock James Broadhurst getting an All Black call-up after the season-ending injury to Patrick Tuipulotu.

Join us at 7.30pm for a live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Hurricanes and the Highlanders.

Brayden Mitchell was meant to be with the Hurricanes for only 10 weeks to slog through pre-season while All Blacks hooker Dane Coles took a break. He's still there.

The Hurricanes should have the services of first-five Beauden Barrett for their pivotal Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders in Napier on Friday.

Some people saw Dan Carter. I saw Nemani Nadolo. Others heralded a Crusaders turnaround. I'd be more inclined to say the Hurricanes are in trouble.

Beauden Barrett's calm influence was sorely missed during the Hurricanes' 35-18 loss to the Crusaders in Nelson tonight

No one condones foul play anymore. Player safety is top of the bill for all rugby authorities and the days of public glory in petty villainy have gone.

Join us for all the action from the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and Hurricanes from Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

It's taken time but the Hurricanes are more than competitive and have led the charge in the competition this year with 12 wins from 13 games under new coach Chris Boyd.

With three rounds to go in Super Rugby, the Herald checks out the remaining contenders and rates their title chances.

Conrad Smith can board a plane to France at the end of the year knowing the future of the Hurricanes is in safe hands.