Latest from Super Rugby

Rugby: Lions tame Rebels in Johannesburg

First Take: Playoff footy comes early for Chiefs

Rugby: Chiefs continue playoff chase

The Chiefs will live to fight another week after producing a timely display to condemn the Hurricanes to a damaging defeat in Hamilton tonight.

As it happened: Chiefs v Hurricanes

Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby showdown between the Chiefs and the Hurricanes from Waikato Stadium.

Justin Marshall's Chalkboard: Carter vs Nonu

Patrick McKendry: If Nonu leaves, JK will be gracious

No one can blame Ma'a Nonu for wanting to return to Wellington to be with his family - and that is likely to be his main reason for yet another shift.

Wynne Gray: Under pressure Chiefs need to be two-trick pony

It is no exaggeration to suggest the situation is dire and the Chiefs' chances of clawing their way to safety and a continued ride in defence of their Super Rugby crown, is grim.

Scotty Stevenson: Stalwarts destined to be denied one last showdown

There will be very little fuss made about them come tomorrow night and they wouldn't want it any other way. Keven Mealamu and Corey Flynn will just get on with the job.

Silent Nonu fuels move speculation

Ma'a Nonu is refusing to talk about his future, increasing speculation he will use an out-clause in his contract to move back to the Hurricanes.

Rugby: Set-piece woes dog Chiefs

The Chiefs are still full of hope but they will need to be a lot more clinical and patient when they meet the Hurricanes on Friday night at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Wynne Gray: Highlanders impress with run at play-offs

Take a decent bow you Highlanders. It's been a while since you gave Super Rugby a decent rattle and your season-ticketholders much to cheer about, writes Wynne Gray.

Rugby: Barrett on Kirwan's short-list

The Blues are trying hard to lure All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett to lead their backline next year.

Rugby: Hurricanes players in fitness race

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett will have the depth of his squad tested this week as his men eye another must-win Super Rugby encounter against the Chiefs on Friday night

Justin Marshall: ABs should have started for Crusaders

A victory over the Hurricanes, with two home fixtures left, would have put the Crusaders in the box seat for a home semifinal. Instead, they lost 16-9, writes Justin Marshall.

Rugby: Champs face going from first to worst

The Chiefs looked like the same side who entered the June window during Friday's 29-25 crushing loss to the Highlanders.

Rugby: Blues need to back up sizzling victory: coach

The Blues' stunning victory over the Force in Perth, which made a mockery of their woeful away record of the past two years, will mean little if they fail to back it up.

Rugby: Highlanders a win away from playoffs place

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.

Rugby: Waratahs claim Australian conference with big win