Stats guru Tracey Nelson breaks down round three of the Super 15 and pinpoints the key stats from each match.

An air of intrigue hovers over New Zealand teams in this weekend's third round of Super rugby.

Ma'a Nonu's suspension will deny the mouth-watering prospect of him going head-to-head against Sonny Bill Williams.

Photos from the first Super Rugby game of the season at the Westpac Stadium.

New Hurricanes rugby coach Mark Hammett has named a fresh-looking team for Friday's Super 15 season-opener against the Highlanders in Wellington.

An near All Black strength backline coupled with a rather green looking forward pack makes up the Hurricanes side for the opening Super Rugby game of the season.

A brief look at the Hurricanes squad for the 2011 Super Rugby season.

The Hurricanes have capped preseason Super Rugby preparations with a 21-21 draw against the Brumbies in Canberra.

You can forgive veteran Hurricanes captain Andrew Hore for feeling like a rookie on his first day of training with the Super 15 franchise this year

New Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett is keen to stamp his mark on the game plan at the Super 15 franchise.

The Chiefs will give 27 players game time in their pre-season match against the Hurricanes in Mangatainoka on Saturday.

Experienced All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu has re-signed with the NZRU and the Hurricanes until the end of next year.

The midfielder is likely to miss the three June rugby tests after suffering a knee injury in the Hurricanes' final Super 14 match.

Beaten in rugby's most basic skills, it is little wonder New Zealand teams endured their worst Super 14 season on record.

Former All Blacks back Hurricanes to make top four but not all are convinced Crusaders will join them.

NZ teams are in danger of missing out on the Super rugby semis but two former All Blacks have rubbished the idea this could harm the national side.