Latest from Rugby Analysis

Wynne Gray: New season, same old Blues

Every sports competition needs a stack of components to make it more intriguing and they gallantly delivered when Super Rugby kicked off, writes Wynne Gray.

Justin Marshall: Big questions for losing duo

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.

Richard Loe: Coaches prepared for crisis

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.

Patrick McKendry: Super 17 it is - but many questions remain

The latest information released by Super Rugby's governing body Sanzar about the competition's proposed new format is heavy on possibility but light on detail, writes Patrick McKendry.

Justin Marshall: Pressure on Read-less Crusaders

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

Wynne Gray: First challenge to win over fan base

Best thing about the Highlanders? Their foxy home stadium, the Smiths, Nasi Manu and Brad Thorn, writes Wynne Gray.

Richard Loe: Fans want teams to bring it on, not rotation carry-on

I can't, for the life of me, understand the concept of resting the All Blacks for the opening rounds of Super Rugby.

Gregor Paul: Doubts over Marshall a failing of Auckland

Wynne Gray: Super series withdrawal almost over

Rugby fans, are you dark that the All Blacks missed the big gong at the Halberg Awards, that league has invaded Eden Park and the Super 15 kicks off early tomorrow?

Scotty Stevenson: A 'perfect' season punctuated by loss

Belief from winning the ABs' most priceless commodity

After an unbeaten season with 14 victories secured during the most suspenseful final 84 seconds of their itinerary, the All Blacks have earned their break, writes Wynne Gray.

The Stats Don't Lie: 24 passes led to final try

Wynne Gray: Extraordinary reprieve as luck of the Irish runs out

Only those All Blacks who saved their season in Dublin understand the spirit of that survival, writes Wynne Gray.

Patrick McKendry: Mental strength key for All Blacks in thriller

Let the post mortems begin on what was almost the most shocking of results.

Richard Loe: An opportunity to hook in to

It's a great time to be a young hooker or a front rower because there are places opening up in the All Black environment.

Gregor Paul: Best AIG policy is honesty on All Blacks

It's been hard on this tour to know where AIG ends and the All Blacks begin.

Sean Fitzpatrick: Preparations for next World Cup could not be going much better

The All Black team to play Ireland highlights two major elements - how settled they are with their squad and how much depth they have developed.

Scotty Stevenson: Rise of power lock marks tectonic shift

The beauty of the sport of rugby is that with every new season you can detect subtle changes in the comparative importance of positions.