Tuipulotu's knee injury will force Scott Robertson to dig ever deeper into his dwindling lock stocks for England tour, writes Patrick McKendry.
Tue, Jun 11
Ethan Roots, a former Māori All Black, has been named in the English touring squad to face New Zealand in two Tests next month.
Playmaker's maturity in leading the Chiefs to a semifinal against the Hurricanes will be rewarded by the All Blacks, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, Jun 9
Patrick McKendry mulls over 10 burning questions ahead of the finals as the competition prepares to celebrate a new champion.
Thu, Jun 6
Two experienced forwards will stay in New Zealand for another two years at least, putting them in the frame for the 2027 World Cup.
After failing to qualify for the Super Rugby playoffs, the Crusaders say they will hold a review before deciding on head coach Rob Penney's future.
Sun, Jun 2
The Crusaders needed a win from the Rebels and then saw the Brumbies beat Western Force to secure their spot in the playoffs.
Sat, Jun 1
The Crusaders will probably play their final game of the season on Friday against Moana Pasifika but they'll be without their top try scorer.
Wed, May 29
Rob Penney has rested the competition's leading try-scorer Sevu Reece and prop Fletcher Newell.
Prop Angus Ta'avao says his side 'let themselves down' during upset defeat to Crusaders and have plenty to put right for the visit of the Chiefs.
Tue, May 28
The defending champs are unlikely to make the playoffs but they highlighted several vulnerabilities within their old rivals, writes Patrick McKendry.
Mon, May 27
The five-tries-to-nil victory under the roof in Dunedin confirms the Highlanders' place in the finals after they missed out last year.
Sun, May 26
The defending champions showed great composure to see out the win, with Noah Hotham scoring the decisive try.
Sat, May 25
Foul language directed at reporter comes on top of talk some senior players are struggling with Penney's methods, writes Patrick McKendry.
Thu, May 23
Colin Mansbridge's apology comes after under-pressure head coach Rob Penney's comments about a 1News reporter were picked up by microphones.
Under-pressure Crusaders head coach in tense to-and-fro with media - insists he will remain in his role next season.
Wed, May 22
Analysis: They had to scramble to beat the Rebels after building a big lead in Melbourne. The Hurricanes will punish a similar slip, writes Patrick McKendry.
Tue, May 21
The new All Blacks head coach talks about the Crusaders, Sam Cane's announcement, what he is seeking in a captain, and some good news on Will Jordan.
Tue, May 14
It's all about the Blues and Hurricanes after their Eden Park thriller - but don't forget last year's finalists, writes Patrick McKendry.
Mon, May 13
A top-of-the-table clash at the home of the Blues called for a change in approach for sports writer Patrick McKendry, who sat in the crowd rather than in the press box.
Sun, May 12
Taylor had to sit at home and watch the Crusaders poor run of form to start the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Fri, May 10
Run by a former Black Cap, a Crusader and a wellbeing expert, the course is a lifeline for retiring athletes.
Blues have likely lost Rieko Ioane but still have a huge amount of firepower for the top-of-the-table clash at Eden Park, writes Patrick McKendry.
Mon, May 6
The Crusaders' loss to the Reds highlighted their now familiar failings and should put their new head coach in the spotlight, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, May 5
The experienced fullback and midfielder will start at first-five for the Crusaders after a suggestion from All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.
Wed, May 1