Justin Marshall, in the first of his twice-weekly columns, casts his eyes over the strengths and weaknesses of the New Zealand franchises.

With Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison visiting training this week, it's tempting to ponder how some of the Blues' best would handle a job swap.

Finished sixth - beaten in playoffs. Devoid of stars and coming off the back of a horror campaign in 2013, the Highlanders were the tournament's big surprise last year.

Twelve months is a long time in professional rugby.

When the Highlanders look for a "How to beat the Sharks" guide, they can roll through the tape of their Anzac Day demo job in Durban.

White knows that losing just as easily becomes a habit and that is why the Sharks were so desperate for a turnaround in fortunes before the play-offs after the loss to the Cheetahs.

The Highlanders are down but not out. Having claimed the final playoff spot despite losing to the Crusaders they are on their way to Durban.

A good night's work led to a good night's kip for the Crusaders. They got their four-try victory and with it, the near certainty that the Sharks, who played overnight, couldn't knock them out of second place.

The Crusaders are not everyone's model rugby side. But they understand the basics needed to achieve victories and for that, they need to be admired.

Relive all the action from tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and Highlanders, from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

It will be the first time in two years Smith has not been available for the Highlanders. A leg infection, kept him in hospital across the Ditch for three nights

The Highlanders may not even have to win one of their final two games to gain a playoff spot as the cards continue to fall their way.

The Chiefs’ reign as champions is virtually over but the Highlanders have shown there remains at least one Kiwi challenger for the Super Rugby title

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Super rugby clash between the Highlanders and the Chiefs from Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Back rower Jake Schatz's second try of the night two minutes after the fulltime siren gave Queensland a 38-31 Super Rugby win over the Highlanders after the Reds nearly blew a 21-point halftime lead.

The Saturday evening clash between the Highlanders and Crusaders was a perfect showcase of NZ rugby, writes Justin Marshall. It showed the excitement and skill levels of Super Rugby at its best.

He was sporting four stitches after the game but referee Glen "Jacko" Jackson's shiner had nothing to do with contentious calls in last night's Super 15 nailbiter.

A classic game and maybe the cruellest ending. Patrick Osborne was adjudged to have simultaneously placed the ball on the junction of both the goalline and touchline in the last act of the game.

The Crusaders v Highlanders was the game of the year so far. An absolute epic, ending with video referee Vinny Munro having to make one heck of a corner post decision

Watch a replay of our live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs, from Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

A couple of things will have become clearer for the All Blacks coaches after the Highlanders' defeat of the Hurricanes - not least the fact they will be feeling pretty good about Malakai Fekitoa.