Ardie Savea's massive challenge as Hurricanes skipper

OPINION: Ardie Savea may have to be prepared for the good, bad and the ugly in his first season as captain of the Hurricanes.
Super Rugby Aotearoa preview: Underdog Highlanders have added bite

Depth in the tight five is an issue but a good recruitment drive and the maturing of existing talent means the Highlanders shouldn't be taken lightly.
Dallas McLeod handed midfield start for Crusaders in absence of injured duo

Second-year midfielder Dallas McLeod beats out Rene Ranger to start in the midfield with Braydon Ennor and David Havili unavailable against the Highlanders.
Super Rugby Aotearoa: Highlanders name Liam Squire on bench

Tony Brown has wasted no time in bringing the former All Blacks enforcer back into the fray against the Crusaders on Friday.
Crusaders strength and conditioning coach Simon Thomas US bound

Less than six months after signing a new two-year deal, Simon Thomas has left the Crusaders for a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity.
Super Rugby burning questions: Who will be missed most, Barrett or Perenara?

Will the Blues or Hurricanes miss their leader most? What to do with Damian McKenzie? Stuff's rugby writers tackle the hot topics ahead of the new season.
Super Rugby preview: Strong Canes squad, but Perenara's absence the major test

New skipper Ardie Savea leads a powerhouse lineup but jerseys 9 and 10 provide coach's biggest challenge.
Captain's challenge confusion lingers over Super Rugby Aotearoa

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan admits there still isn't unanimity with the new ruling after Codie Taylor was incorrectly denied a challenge last weekend.
'Owe this game everything': All Blacks stars fight back tears talking about the game

Dane Coles and Aaron Smith get emotional on camera over Super Rugby.
'Not much change' for Weber after elevation to Chiefs co-captaincy

The Chiefs halfback is familiar with leadership because he says he talks a fair bit anyway, but it also inspired his All Blacks recall in 2019.
Super Rugby Aotearoa preview: Can McMillan revive the Chiefs?

OPINION: After slumping to a record losing streak under Warren Gatland, the Chiefs have turned to a promising coach unproven in Super Rugby.
All Blacks skipper Sam Cane to be joined by Brad Weber as co-captain of Chiefs

The All Blacks halfback will take on the role in a bid to ease the workload of Sam Cane.
Back at fullback, matchwinning memories spur Jordie Barrett for Blues rematch

His brother won't be there, but Hurricanes star recalls well the July night when he broke Blues' hearts.
Mehrtens recalls when 'Rob Penney could have killed me in a ruck'

Former All Blacks first recalls being hit by 'blurry red and black thunderbolt' on a day when the Penz was mightier than the sward.
Captaincy caps O'Connor redemption: Thorn

Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn has lauded the efforts of interim captain James O'Connor to find his way back from the Australian rugby wilderness.
Super Rugby: Rugby Australia open to 'hub' for trans-Tasman comp

New CEO Andy Marinos says talks are ongoing with NZ Rugby and he has vowed to explore 'all options on the table'.
Ref apologises to Crusaders after captain’s challenge confusion

Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor wanted to refer the Blues' winning try in their pre-season clash but the referee incorrectly denied him.
Super Rugby: Folau Fakatava's rise to take load off Aaron Smith

Highlanders coach Tony Brown says Folau Fakatava 'is a different player this year' and will play a big role behind All Blacks No 9 Aaron Smith.
Super Rugby: Blow as Highlanders lose Fetuli Paea in win over Canes

Returning flanker James Lentjes scores two tries as Highlanders win 35-12 but big No 13 hobbles off to give coach Tony Brown a headache.
Red card adds to Waratahs' woes

This wasn't the start New Zealander Rob Penney, now in charge of the Waratahs, wanted.
Why are Pasifika sporting names still being mispronounced?
Former Ireland rugby prop who taunted All Blacks dies
Pumas up for World Sports Award for historic win over All Blacks
Six Nations: France v Scotland clash to go ahead after another round of Covid-19 tests
Ardie Savea's massive challenge as Hurricanes skipper
Super Rugby Aotearoa preview: Underdog Highlanders have added bite
Richie McCaw relives the 2011 season: the ‘fairytale’ that wasn’t to be
Dallas McLeod handed midfield start for Crusaders in absence of injured duo
Super Rugby Aotearoa: Highlanders name Liam Squire on bench
Carter on his career: Not bad for a 'little bogan from Southbridge'
Crusaders strength and conditioning coach Simon Thomas US bound
Six Nations: New coronavirus tests clear France rugby camp after outbreak
Super Rugby burning questions: Who will be missed most, Barrett or Perenara?
Super Rugby preview: Strong Canes squad, but Perenara's absence the major test
Captain's challenge confusion lingers over Super Rugby Aotearoa