They both spent big to attract high-profile fullbacks, both have coaches still needing to prove themselves and together they've accumulated one win between them in 2014.

Watching the latest Super Rugby round offered a graph stretching from exhilarating to turgid. The problem was they were successive matches.

If you like your rugby loose with frequent scoreboard changes then head for Eden Park on Saturday.

The yoyo career of Robbie Fruean took another dip yesterday when he was pulled from the Chiefs' squad.

Robbie Fruean will miss the Chiefs' three match road trip after needing a heart procedure which will put the centre out of action for up to eight weeks.

There is going to be plenty of self-examination in the Highlanders camp this week.

Blues coach John Kirwan is looking for answers from referees' boss Lyndon Bray after getting what he feels is a rough deal from match officials for the third game in a row.

During a nine-try romp you don't expect to see a player celebrate scoring a five-pointer as if he has won a final.

Ma'a Nonu and Jerome Kaino are poised to restart their Blues careers against the Cheetahs at Eden Park on Saturday.

An incredible comeback from the Blues against the Lions in Johannesburg fell just short this morning, John Kirwan's men again leaving themselves too much to do after a poor start.

Beauden Barrett versus Willie le Roux. What a treat.

The Chiefs aim to play rugby the way it is meant to be for those who like sport served sunny side up. So where are the crowds?

The Chiefs remain unbeaten atop the New Zealand Conference and, if they can put together their whole package, that record will be hard to break.

Join us here for our live blog of tonight's Super Rugby encounter between the Chiefs and the Stormers from Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

There just might be a good story here, if you give it a chance. That will come as a disappointment if you're after a dissection of the Hurricanes or a panic piece on the Crusaders.

Simon Hickey has been dropped to the reserves bench by the Blues this week.

Just a year ago the Brumbies went into their blockbuster derby against the Waratahs intent on exploiting the defence of a rookie named Israel Folau.

If the Chiefs and Stormers do play out a predicted defensive duel, Dave Rennie knows he will have an advantage in the halfback position.