An academic has lifted the lid on how the Chiefs have won Super Rugby titles, highlighting the use of Maori cultural themes and responsibility to the community.

Back in the top three and once again the competition's leading try scorers - this should be a rather relaxing bye week for the Chiefs.

Big Ben Tameifuna has a big decision to make — stay with the Chiefs or sign with Toulouse and most likely commit to playing for Tonga at next year’s World Cup.

The Chiefs picked their new home to display some of their old form and seize control of the New Zealand conference.

Join us here for tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Blues and the Chiefs in New Plymouth.

Another week, another new position for Tim Nanai-Williams.

No one needs to remind the Chiefs about the importance of this match.

Was it a breakthrough or merely a mirage? The Chiefs will find out on Friday night in New Plymouth.

Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell's prospects of returning to rugby have been ignited with Chiefs coach Dave Rennie admitting he'd consider him for a Super Rugby contract.

No one within the Chiefs will be too effusive in their self-praise but this display was sorely-needed from the Super Rugby champions.

Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul & Patrick McKendry discuss whether the Chiefs are still a threat in Super Rugby.

It has been the same problem that has stalled their season but the Chiefs hope a difference in personnel can finally amend their lineout troubles.

Hookers are usually a gnarly benchmark for Super Rugby sides. Some of the younger brigade have not collected the creased faces or disfigured ears which often signify combat in the scrummaging trenches and close-quarter combat.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said to be increasingly keen on luring Chiefs player Gareth Anscombe from Hamilton with the potential prize of a World Cup spot.

The clock is ticking on the Chiefs' efforts to fix their malfunctioning lineout after their mauling at the hands of the Crus-aders.

The significance of Kieran Read leaving the field after 30 minutes on Saturday night was easy to understand in the context of the match.

Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul & Patrick McKendry are joined by Radio Sport's Nigel Yalden to give their expert opinion & analysis after the Crusaders beat the Chiefs 18-17.

After their clenching the win over the chiefs, Todd Blackadder is very pleased to be on the winning side for a change in what they hope will be a momentum shift for the team.