As predictable as their results have been this season, the Chiefs' backline selections have been much more uncertain.

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

Robbie Fruean answers questions and talks about his move to Chiefs Country! Courtesy Chiefs Rugby/YouTube.

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.

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.

The reinforcements are ready for the Chiefs and, before an arduous schedule over the next two months, their arrival is not a moment too soon.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie accurately summed up his side's performance in their unconvincing win over the Highlanders on Saturday night.

The Chiefs once again proved why they are the defending champions, winning over the Highlanders 21-19.

The Chiefs once again proved why they are the defending champions, winning over the Highlanders 21-19.

It's early in the piece to be definitive, but the Chiefs gave a strong hint tonight that they can collect a third consecutive championship.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the winners and losers from the first weekend of Super Rugby.Rugby Herald will be with you every week as the season unfolds.

It is easy to write off the Crusaders' loss to the Chiefs on Friday as a bad night in front of the posts, writes Justin Marshall. But for me the Crusaders' concerns should run deeper than that.

The injuries continue to mount and the possession stats are still deficient, but the Chiefs keep on winning.

The Chiefs had injury dramas before they played the Crusaders, now they have even more but frankly, I doubt whether it will slow them down much, writes Richard Loe.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie laments the penalties and the injuries but will take the win, Richie McCaw and Todd Blackadder say the Crusaders didn't take their chances and were 'thier own worst enemy'.

As a statement, this is about as good as it gets from the Chiefs.

Join us here for tonight's live blog from the Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Chiefs from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Herald columnist Justin Marshall breaks down the five franchises ahead of this weekend's NZ Super Rugby launch.

This Chiefs appear as well-equipped as any champions to rise above the impediments and repeat their Super Rugby success.