Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the upcoming clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders.

The Crusaders clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton this weekend comes at the perfect time.

The Crusaders are already looking towards one of the toughest trips in Super Rugby - a long-haul flight home to face the Chiefs in Hamilton next weekend.

After struggling to get their attack going this season, the points came in an avalanche for the Crusaders this morning against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, the bonus point victory inspired by Colin Slade and helped by a Nemani Nadolo hat-trick.

After a lacklustre start to the season, including two defeats at home, the Crusaders have at last set a record for the right reasons.

Ellis Park, that bastion of South African rugby, is where the Crusaders will undergo a severe test of their spirit tomorrow morning.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the importance of the upcoming away games for the Blues and Chiefs.

A thriller of a match between two struggling teams was settled by a stunning try from Hurricanes wing Alapati Leiua.

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

The limelight has never seduced Kieran Read but he understands it is a consequence of his play.

The Crusaders won't get close to winning the Super title playing as they did against the Stormers.

The Crusaders have pinched a late win over the Stormers to earn their first points of the Super Rugby season.

Join us here for live coverage of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and the Stormers from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Coaching inbreeding has turned the champs into comparative chumps, writes Chris Rattue. "That backline is about as exciting and instinctive as a North Korean political rally."

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the progress the Crusaders and Hurricanes have made this far into the Super Rugby season. Rugby Herald will be with you every week as the season unfolds.

Richie McCaw needs surgery to insert a screw into his broken left thumb which could have All Blacks coach Steve Hansen looking nervously at the calendar.

First Daniel Carter, now Richie McCaw - the Crusaders are going to have to claw their way back into Super Rugby without either of their star players featuring much before June.

The Crusaders haven't had the start they wanted but I wouldn't be too worried about their longer term prospects. Not yet, anyway, writes Richard Loe.