Tony Brown has been named head coach of the Highlanders for 2017 but his tenure in charge of the southern side will be brief.

Live coverage as the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders in a vital local derby.

The Hurricanes found revenge from last year's final after pipping the Highlanders thanks to Ardie Savea's last gasp try.

Losing tonight won't be terminal for the championship ambitions of the Highlanders or Hurricanes.

COMMENT: You have to wonder how Smith finds the time to be so happy for everyone else, writes Scotty Stevenson.

COMMENT: It was a mistake to under estimate the Highlanders last year and it would be just as unwise to do so again this year, wites Gregor Paul.

Join us for a live blog of the tantalising Kiwi derby between the Highlanders and the Crusaders.

WATCH: A truly heavyweight contest - in all senses - finished with the Highlanders beating the Crusaders to join their southern cousins at the top of the table.

The Highlanders thought Chiefs midfielder Charlie Ngatai should have been red carded for the lifting tackle on Elliott Dixon.

COMMENT: We're getting close to the point when the All Backs selectors will be confirming their first squad of the year, to play Wales next month.

The Highlanders reminded everyone just why they claimed last year's competition, shining in all facets to shock the Chiefs.

Live updates of the Chiefs and Highlanders round 11 Super Rugby clash at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.

The game between the Chiefs and the Highlanders in Hamilton tonight is a massive one for many reasons, not least of which are the key match-ups across the park.

In a battle of backlines dotted with All Black starters and many more hopefuls, one man will hog the headlines

Waisake Naholo's return to rugby has gone as planned.

Sharks hold on for a 15-14 win in Dunedin after Lima Sopoaga missed a late drop goal.

In February at Eden Park against the Blues, there was no flourishing start from the Highlanders in defence of their title.

The Reds have held on for their first victory of the Super Rugby season, edging the Highlanders 28-27 in a Saturday night thriller at Suncorp Stadium.

Highlanders pivot Lima Sopoaga has revealed what he needs to improve in order to impress the All Black selectors.

A couple of strong team cultures have been among the highlights this weekend with the Highlanders' come-from-behind win over the Force.

The Highlanders have held off an early onslaught and a rash of injuries to overcome a fierce Force side in Dunedin tonight.

The defending champions are moving nicely into top gear and starting to look more than capable of holding onto their title.

The Melbourne Rebels feel the Super Rugby defending champion Highlanders are playing better than when they won the title.

The Waratahs, completely outplayed in the first half against the Highlanders, gave the defending champions a big scare.

The Highlanders have started the process to find a new head coach for the champion Super Rugby team but the leading candidate has ruled himself out of the job.