The Chiefs are aware of the awakening monster that is the Crusaders forward pack but are confident they have the personnel to combat it

Sonny Bill Williams was ushered into the Chiefs' Eden Park changing room on Saturday night to celebrate their victory over the Blues.

A year from now and who will recall that the Blues, reduced to 14 men for most of the game and 13 for a period, played so gamely and effectively against such monumental odds?

There was an edge to training at the Chiefs' Ruakura headquarters this week, according to coach Dave Rennie, but it didn't quite translate to Eden Park last night.

The Chiefs have squeezed past a 14-man Blues side to go top of the Super 15 table, winning 26-16 at Eden Park

Join us for tonight's live blog of the Super 15 clash between the Blues and the Chiefs at Eden Park in Auckland.

A performance to celebrate - and there was plenty of toasting in the changing rooms afterwards, but the Crusaders have quickly put their stunning victory over the Chiefs in its place.

By selecting Ben Tameifuna at prop, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is hoping to spike the Crusaders' scrum with the biggest piece of artillery he has.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has no intention of using Sonny Bill Williams as a five-eighth at this year's World Cup, even though the rugby league world is marvelling at his ability to flourish in the halves.

Jamie Mackintosh, fed up with his treatment at the Highlanders which has seen him go from captain to virtually unwanted this season, is heading to the Chiefs.

Jamie Mackintosh, fed up with his treatment at the Highlanders which has seen him go from captain to virtually unwanted this season, is heading to the Chiefs.

A big factor in why the Chiefs looked a vastly improved side in the last 30 minutes of their victory over the Hurricanes in Hamilton can be found in one significant second-half substitution.

Most rugby players carry niggling injuries during the season but James Marshall has struggled with the same complaint for the past four years.

The Chiefs changed the coaching landscape last year when they operated with four full-time coaches instead of the usual two.

As the centre of excellence moves north to Hamilton, last year's champs see adoration of Crusaders continue.

Hundreds have lined Hamilton's streets to celebrate the Chiefs second Super Rugby title in two years.

Chiefs captain Craig Clarke was being tipped as the strongest contender for a fairytale call-up to the All Blacks today, with former All Blacks Jarrad Hoeata and Anthony Boric outside choices.

Chiefs captain Craig Clarke has revealed himself to be a keen student of the points table so he will be extremely satisfied with his team's lot as he prepares for a weekend off.

How important was that Chiefs win over the Crusaders? "Massive'', says playmaker Aaron Cruden, who has suggested it will give the younger members of his team a new belief in their abilities.

The question was whether the Chiefs can get better. The answer from coach Dave Rennie was a definitive yes. And it wasn't just the usual bluster coaches feel compelled to spout.

A match worthy of a final and on this form there is every chance the Chiefs and Crusaders will meet again in the play-offs.

Watch a replay of all the action from tonight's Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and Crusaders from Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.