A confident air surrounds the Crusaders and Hurricanes ahead of virtual Super 14 rugby quarterfinals which could leave them either planning for next year or eyeing a daunting South African trip.
Hurricanes halfback Piri Weepu has been cleared of a serious ankle injury and will play against the Waratahs in tomorrow's virtual Super 14 rugby quarterfinal in Sydney.
All Blacks and Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis has made a timely return to form as his main rival for the Crusaders No 9 jersey, Kahn Fotuali'i, has been stood down for Friday's crucial Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies in Christchurch.
Brumbies stalwart Stirling Mortlock's experience will be missing from their virtual Super 14 rugby quarterfinal against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday although his absence may ironically prove a good omen for the two-time champions.
Speculation the Bulls will field a weakened team against the Stormers has been greeted philosophically by two Australian coaches hoping for home advantage in the Super 14 rugby semifinals, should their teams succeed against New Zealand opposition on Friday night.
Halfback Piri Weepu is in doubt for the Hurricanes' must-win Super 14 rugby match against the Waratahs on Friday after suffering an ankle injury at training today.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made two changes to his starting 15 for a crucial Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies in Christchurch on Friday night.
All Blacks centre Conrad Smith returns to the Hurricanes' starting lineup but flanker Victor Vito will miss a second consecutive match as they chase a Super 14 rugby semifinal spot against the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.
Breaching a team protocol means halfback Kahn Fotuali'i will take no part in the Crusaders' Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies on Friday night.
The season is shaping up to be a low point in Highlanders history but coach Glenn Moore says he is still loving his time in the hot seat, and has no intention of leaving.
Call it a false dawn. After the promise of last week's gutsy win over the Waratahs, the Highlanders slipped back into bad habits with a heavy loss to the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night.
Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg may have bigger fish to fry this year but it is not something that is occupying his mind.
Fullback Israel Dagg has more to play for than most when the Highlanders end their Super 14 campaign with two matches in Australia.
He started on the wing and found his way into the black jersey from fullback - now Ben Smith is about to be played in a position many feel is his best.
First five-eighth Daniel Kirkpatrick will make his first start for the Blues amid eight changes to the starting 15 for Sunday's (1am NZT) Super 14 rugby match against the winless Lions in Johannesburg.
An elusive first win in Hamilton this season and a desire to spoil the party for the desperate Waratahs are spurring the Chiefs ahead of their Super 14 rugby match on Saturday.
All Black Ma'a Nonu has received a slap over the wrist from his employer, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), for an expletive-laden radio interview.
Lock Kevin O'Neill makes a welcome return to the Chiefs starting lineup for their Super 14 rugby match against the Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday.
Highlanders outside back Ben Smith gets to showcase his versatility after being named at centre for the Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
All Blacks and Chiefs rugby player Sione Lauaki's sentencing for an attack on a bar patron has been adjourned so he can apply for a discharge without conviction.
