Paul Cully

ANALYSIS: The Highlanders put a brave face on the season-ending injury to halfback Dylan Pledger before Super Rugby Pacific , but internally it was regarded as a devastating blow.

All Blacks lock Scott Barrett will be sidelined for “months” due to injury, The Press can reveal.

ANALYSIS: Scott Hansen's appointment as Crusaders coach shows that New Zealand Rugby still values the All Blacks coaching team put together by Scott Robertson.

At One NZ Stadium, Christchurch: Crusaders 47 (Sevu Reece 9min, 77min, Noah Hotham 25min, Johnny McNicholl 32min, Christian Lio-Willie 35min, Manumaua

OPINION: How many games did New Zealand teams win against the top two Australian outfits in Super Rugby Pacific this year?

The assessment that there would be no winners from the Melbourne Rebels v Rugby Australia court case was borne out in painful fashion at the Federal Court in Melbourne on Thursday

New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie delivered a crystal-clear message when he sidled into the new job and begun espousing his philosophy around involvements, around winning races, and around outworking opponents on the rugby field.

The highest-paid player in Australian rugby turned in a strong night against the Force after a season of frustration. But he wasn’t alone.

ANALYSIS: Super Rugby Pacific success is 20% down to coaching and 80% down to the calibre of player - and that might be underestimating the importance of the players.