Patrick McKendry

The loose forward is on the brink of playing his first Super Rugby game of the season after a horror run of injuries.

In beating the Chiefs, the competition front-runners went to a new level. The Crusaders, however, are in free-fall, writes Patrick McKendry.

Analysis: The Hurricanes are flying as high as they ever have, but they're about to embark on one of the toughest trips in the game, writes Patrick McKendry.

Joseph Parker's last two victims, China's Zhilei Zhang and American Deontay Wilder, will fight each other in Riyadh in June, the latest example of

Starting centre Matt Proctor and flanker Dalton Papalii will make their All Black test debuts against Japan in Tokyo, with six of the eight reserves also in line to win their first caps.

Analysis: The Highlanders are rivalling the Crusaders with their ability to get worse every week, writes Patrick McKendry.

The Blues' decision making in the opposition's red zone is hugely improved and could tip the balance in the playoffs, writes Patrick McKendry.

Analysis: The defending champions were the big movers over the weekend after thrashing the Rebels but questions remain about their ability to handle pressure, writes Patrick McKendry.

The experienced fullback and midfielder will start at first-five for the Crusaders after a suggestion from All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.

Kiwi cruiserweight has been holding his own against highly-regarded Australian heavyweights as he gets ready for big fight in Saudi Arabia.