Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu.

'Lucky loser' playoff concept is 'weird', say Blues

If the Hurricanes and Chiefs win this weekend, the Blues will go through to the Super Rugby semifinals even if they lost to the Crusaders in Christchurch.

3:04pm

Codie Taylor makes a break for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes last weekend.

'Adds more motivation' – Crusaders celebrate home comforts

The Crusaders have sold out their new stadium five times in a row and welcome a Blues team counting the cost after their defeat to the Chiefs.

6:00am

Faletoi Peni of Moana Pasifika carries the ball against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Moana Pasifika defiant to the end as they shock Brumbies

The team travelled to Canberra only after NZ Rugby stepped in to cover salaries and costs – and scored a memorable victory.

Sun, May 31

The Chiefs celebrate a try during their final round victory over the Blues in Hamilton in front of a dejected looking Zarn Sullivan.

Blues sunk by Chiefs but 'lucky loser' semifinal place looms

The Blues, needing a win over the Chiefs to secure a home qualifier, were thrashed, but they may yet make the top four, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, May 31

Tupou Vaa'i, left, and Scott Barrett in action for the All Blacks against Argentina last year.

Analysis: Scott Barrett's injury puts spotlight on All Blacks locking depth

Dave Rennie can currently select four Test locks in his squad next month but, beyond that quartet, the cupboard is rather bare, writes Patrick McKendry.

Fri, May 29

1:30

Moana Pasifika's players react to their defeat to the Reds at North Harbour Stadium.

NZ Rugby forced to step in to save Moana Pasifika's season

The broke franchise would be unable to play final game of the year against the Brumbies in Canberra without emergency funding.

Tue, May 26

Ruben Love runs in for his try for the Hurricanes against the Highlanders.

Analysis: Hurricanes' title push keeps Love in All Blacks' spotlight

Ruben Love is currently the best performing No.10 in the country and should look to July Test series with confidence, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, May 24

Caleb Tangitau brushes off a defender during the Highlanders' win over the Waratahs in Dunedin last weekend.

Extra edge as All Blacks hopefuls are put on notice by Rennie

Those in the New Zealand frame among the Chiefs and Highlanders may feel under more intense scrutiny during the round 14 match in Hamilton.

Thu, May 14

Sir Graham Henry pictured during his role as Black Ferns coach during the World Cup in 2022.

Analysis: What Sir Graham Henry's appointment says about Dave Rennie

Being challenged is key for an All Blacks head coach and Rennie's latest selection suggests he will be open to feedback, writes Patrick McKendry.

Wed, May 13

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie's Japanese club Kobe Steelers have finished top qualifiers after the Japan League One round robin.

'It has to be': Rennie on whether there's time to ready the All Blacks

The new head coach is juggling two jobs but has assistance from a variety of people – including NBA star Steven Adams and new selector Sir Graham Henry.

Tue, May 12

The Hurricanes claim a lineout during their recent victory over Moana Pasifika at a sparsely-attended North Harbour Stadium.

'Empty seats is a problem' - NZR boss on Super Rugby crowds

Newly confirmed chief executive Steve Lancaster says the competition's other aspects are tracking well but not enough fans are going to games.

Mon, May 11

George Bower celebrates his try for the Crusaders against the Blues.

Analysis: Leicester's powerful influence is taking Crusaders places

Fainga'anuku's switch from the midfield to flanker (and back again) has made the Crusaders' attack far more threatening, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, May 10

Crusaders lock and All Blacks captain Scott Barrett.

Scott Barrett's return to Crusaders complicated by 'squeaky moments'

The All Blacks captain and veteran Crusaders lock was due to return from his sabbatical in a fortnight.

Wed, May 6

Richie Mo'unga's time with the Toshiba Brave Lupus is coming to an end.

Mo'unga's championship streak under threat as he ponders return home

Richie Mo'unga has won nine domestic titles in nine years but Toshiba's struggles could end that remarkable run, writes Patrick McKendry.

Tue, May 5

Erin Clark leads the Warriors off the field after their victory over Parramatta in Sydney.

Analysis: Warriors the big winners in battle for hearts and minds

The Warriors and the NRL produce consistently compelling entertainment that Super Rugby cannot currently match, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, May 3

April 2026
Leicester Fainga'anuku celebrates his try against the Brumbies.

Hurricanes wary as Crusaders ready to let Leicester loose again

Fainga'anuku will start at No.7 again for the Crusaders against a Hurricanes team on the up this season.

Thu, Apr 30

Former Crusaders and All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.

Where's Razor? Why beloved former Crusaders coach missed 'super round'

Scott Robertson, who lost his job as All Blacks head coach recently, was conspicuous by his absence over a significant weekend.

Wed, Apr 29

Blues players celebrate Beauden Barrett's successful extra-time penalty which helped them beat the Reds at Te Kaha Stadium.

Analysis: Wildly successful 'super round' gives rugby the boost it needs

Christchurch turned it on this weekend and provided a public relations win for the game at just the right time, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, Apr 26

Crusaders wing Dallas McLeod breaks away against the Waratahs at Te Kaha Stadium.

Crusaders re-discover mojo at just the right time against Waratahs

Determined to open their reign at their new stadium in the right way, the inconsistent Crusaders found a little magic at Te Kaha.

Fri, Apr 24

The inside of Te Kaha Stadium - perfectly manicured grass and the gaurantee of a good seat.

Christchurch's new stadium - a warm, dry, noisy prize for a resilient city

The Crusaders' new home has the potential to be the noisiest sporting arena in New Zealand, as 1News sports writer Patrick McKendry discovers.

Fri, Apr 24

7:28

Leicester Fainga'anuku on the charge for the Crusaders.

All Blacks midfielder set for new loose forward role at Crusaders

Leicester Fainga'anuku will make his starting debut in the pack for the Crusaders as they open this weekend's "Super Round" at their new Te Kaha stadium.

Wed, Apr 22

The Chiefs' players including Damian McKenzie, celebrate their extra-time victory over the Hurricanes at Waikato Stadium.

Analysis: McKenzie survives close call as Chiefs take top spot

The Chiefs No.10 starred again against the Hurricanes but a risky decision at the end of regulation time could have backfired, writes Patrick McKendry.

Sun, Apr 19

A camera operator is left unemployed during the recent power cut at North Harbour Stadium.

Stadium power cut another blow to Moana Pasifika's aspirations

North Harbour Stadium's recent electricity failure does not reflect well on Super Rugby Pacific and was the latest in a series of setbacks for Moana.

Thu, Apr 2

March 2026
Tupou Vaa'i and the Chiefs react to conceding a try to the Brumbies in Canberra.

All Black's knee injury adds more pain to Chiefs' defeat

Tupou Vaa'i and two of his teammates have left the Chiefs' squad in Australia a week early following a dispiriting loss in Canberra.

Sun, Mar 22

Match officials, from left, Todd Petrie, Ben O' Keeffe and Maggie Cogger-Orr look at the big screen during the Blues v Chiefs match in round one.

'Frustration': Do Super Rugby officials have breakdown blindness?

Analysis: Suspicions remain – despite denials – that the ruck area is being refereed more leniently in Super Rugby, writes Patrick McKendry.

Fri, Mar 20