The Chiefs once again proved why they are the defending champions, winning over the Highlanders 21-19.

The Chiefs once again proved why they are the defending champions, winning over the Highlanders 21-19.

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.

Founder and owner Eiichi Ishii talks about the creation of Queenstown's world renowned Millbrook golf course.

Mexican defender Rogelio Chavez scores the finest volley you’re ever likely to see. Video / Youtube: Vive Cruz Azul

3yo filly Spellbinder takes a step up in class when contesting the Gr.1 TV3 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on Saturday. In 7 starts she has never finished out of the first 3 placings and her chance of claiming Derby glory may depend on the weather. Spellbinder loves wet tracks, so connections will be doing a pre-Derby rain dance.

Former Australian cricket skipper Ricky Ponting looks ahead to the Pro-Am in the NZ Open and also gives his opinion on the recent form of the Black Caps against India.

Talented filly Rising Romance will be out to beat the boys in the Gr.1 TV3 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 1. The Donna & Dean Logan-trained filly has followed a similar path to last year's winner Habibi, who was also trained by team Logan. Bringing in an impressive formline, this classy girl is the main danger to race favourite Puccini.

Turkish soccer player Hakan Calhanoglu scores a stunning free-kick which has to be seen to be believed. Video / Youtube: TYKQQQ

Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie will be out to land his second New Zealand Derby on March 1 at Ellerslie. Ritchie has one of the leading chances for the TV3 sponsored event in the form of Glorious Lad, and knows what it takes to win the feature 3yo event, having trained 2010 winner Military Move.

Frenchman Thomas Traversa was crowned the champion of the storm surfing universe. Despite weighing just 60 kilos, Traversa won the final leg of the Red Bull Storm Chase in hurricane conditions off the coast of Cornwall, UK, in front of Marcilio Browne from Brazil and Leon Jamaer from Germany.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the winners and losers from the first weekend of Super Rugby.Rugby Herald will be with you every week as the season unfolds.

THE Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon was a huge success with 900 excited and energetic participants in high spirits. This was the second year a Weet-Bix TRYathlon had been hosted in the region. Gisborne is one of 14 venues from North Shore to Dunedin to hold a TRYathlon this year.

In a contest at the most dangerous wave on earth, on one of its most dangerous days, with nearly every international and local standout on the roster -- Kelly Slater scooted his 42-year-old butt into the final, with really not many obstacles and speedbumps keeping him from doing it.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie laments the penalties and the injuries but will take the win, Richie McCaw and Todd Blackadder say the Crusaders didn't take their chances and were 'thier own worst enemy'.

Ahead of his first start for The Blues on Saturday, prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi talks about how he's feeling and the hard work he's put in during the pre-season to reach his goal. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan talks about his selections for the seasonopener against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube.

Rugby league star Paul Gallen made an exhilarating professional boxing debut, the NSW and Cronulla Sharks captain was dropped by a left in the first round, but showed great heart, and determination to storm over the top of his opponent in the second. Robert Berridge (23-1-1, 19 KOs) retained the Pan Asian Boxing Association light heavyweight with a tenth round stoppage of Australian Kerry Foley.

Alex de Jong and Miles Davis take an irreverent look at the Premier League…the world’s most exciting, glamorous and action-packed football competition! Whether it occurs on or off the pitch, the team at Premier League BackPass is committed to bringing you all the action and most of the gossip, not that long after it happens! Goals! Scandals! Skills! Giveaways! Italians! From glorious action to shameless stupidity, discover the best, and worst the Premier League has to offer, and find out just what makes it the finest competition, in the greatest game on earth…

Paul Gallen sort expert tuition from Kevin Barry and Joseph Parker ahead of his pro boxing debut tonight against Herman Ene-Purcell in Sydney. Kiwi lightheavyweight "The Butcher" Robert Berridge is also on the card.

Aaron Mauger updates nzherald.co.nz on the Crusaders as they prepare to start the 2014 season against raining champions the Chiefs, we ask what's different and how can they regain the Super Rugby crown?.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray look towards the start of the NZ matches in the 2015 Super Rugby season, who will win and who will fail?. Herald Rugby will be with you every week as the season unfolds.

The first Act of the 2014 Extreme Sailing series begins on the 20th of February. Preparations are keeping skipper Dean Barker busy as he looks ahead to his first event back on the helm.

The Rugby Herald team give their expert opinion & analysis on the upcoming 2014 Super Rugby season. Radio Sports Nigel Yalden joins Gregor Paul from the Herald on Sunday and Patrick McKendry from APNZ newswire to 'crystal ball' the season ahead.

Highlights of the Blues' 43-19 defeat to the Chiefs at Rotorua International Stadium on February 14 in their final pre-season hit-out of the year. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube

Watch a compilation of the pace and stepping ability of a young Shaun Johnson playing touch rugby. Video / YouTube: Enele Bawss

16 teams will compete in the first NRL Auckland Nines, attracting more than 90,000 fans through the gates of Eden Park. The players are just as excited as the fans in the new concept of the game and not really knowing how to play but they know the quicker you adapt the better your chance at winning.

Melbourne Storm were amongst fans during their visit to the home ground of the Manurewa Marlins. All 16 teams of the NRL were out in the Auckland community in a first ever initiative as part of the Auckland Nines.

Blues players Keven Mealamu and Francis Saili took on the other New Zealand Super Rugby franchises in a go-kart race to mark the start of the Super Rugby season. Courtesy TheBlues/YouTube