Join us here for tonight's live blog of the Crusaders taking on the Rebels in the 2015 Super Rugby opener at AMI Stadium.

Justin Marshall, in the first of his twice-weekly columns, casts his eyes over the strengths and weaknesses of the New Zealand franchises.

Hurricanes and All Black halfback TJ Perenara has set the standard for training ground tricks in Super Rugby with an amazing left-footed sideline conversion.

With Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison visiting training this week, it's tempting to ponder how some of the Blues' best would handle a job swap.

NZME.'s rugby experts make some bold predictions ahead of the Super Rugby season.

The Bulls may end up being a surprisingly different side in terms of style this year.

Blues captain Jerome Kaino receives his new playing jersey from teenage patient Tyrone Banks at Starship children's hospital.

The Waratahs curbed years of mocking from their interstate rivals when they claimed last season's Super Rugby title.

The consistency that set the Chiefs apart during their title campaigns suddenly disappeared, the two-time defending champions winning their first three games but never enjoying another such streak.

More of the same, with the Blues repeating their 10th-place finish from 2013 to leave their record of 32 games played under John Kirwan's command for 13 wins and 19....

The four-year coaching reign of Mark Hammett came to an end as he led them to seventh place and they missed the playoffs.

Second, losing to the Waratahs in the Sydney final. Traditionally slow burners, the Crusaders slipped uncomfortably back into a familiar pattern.

There was a time when it seemed certain Hika Elliot's rugby career would end in tears.

Wallabies and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika must be confident Israel Folau will stay in rugby beyond 2015, declaring he is unlikely to experiment much with him at centre until next year.

The people of Albany, a suburb of Auckland's North Shore given over largely to big box retailers and franchise universities, was surprised on Saturday night when a Super Rugby match broke out at North Harbour Stadium.

Blues coach John Kirwan has already made mention of his satisfaction at Steven Luatua's leadership at this early stage of the season.

New season, same old problems for Blues coach John Kirwan, who must consider a delicate juggling act with his loose forwards ahead of the first competition game against the Chiefs.

New Zealand's sevens sensation Rieko Ioane has the Blues to thank for honing his form, with coach John Kirwan comparing his style to Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams.

You may not have heard of them now, but you probably will during the Super Rugby season. Our rugby writers look at who is likely to be the breakout for each franchise this season.

Former All Black Jimmy Cowan has quickly made himself comfortable in Auckland to the point where he is turning halfback into one of the most contestable positions at the Blues.