The old adage that rugby is an 80-minute game no longer applies. In some cases this Super Rugby season it has been more like a 100-minute game - and not everyone is enjoying what could charitably be described as added value for money.
Another loss for the Chiefs, and, while it's not crisis time for the defending champions, they must regroup quickly following their latest blow, a 25-20 defeat by the Waratahs in Sydney.
Controversial referee Steve Walsh has been ticked off after he broke the new television match official protocol several times in last weekend's game at Eden Park between the Blues and Highlanders.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says Aaron Smith's frustrations at the Highlanders are affecting his game and he needs to take on less to help his team and himself.
Absent for a fortnight due to parental leave, now All Blacks first-five Dan Carter faces another three weeks on the sidelines after straining a hamstring in training with the Crusaders.
It must be hard being Warriors coach Matt Elliott at the moment.
Seven penalties from Sharks first-five Pat Lambie were enough to beat the Crusaders at Kings Park in Durban this morning.
OPINION: Wyatt Crockett and Brodie Retallick are staying in New Zealand, Anthony Boric and Ben May are going to Japan. The New Zealand Rugby Union will be quietly pleased they have retained the right duo.
The power of the yen and relative merits of Japan are proving too good to turn down for an increasingly young and talented crop of rugby players in New Zealand.
How effectively the Crusaders keep Andries Bekker under control is looming as crucial to their hopes of securing a victory over the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.
Tim Nanai-Williams is contemplating the luxury of two weeks off as he recovers from a groin injury which has hampered him since the start of the season.
The so-called "lesser" teams have enjoyed a habit of beating the Crusaders over the past four seasons, so it's probably a good thing that Todd Blackadder has named a strong line-up to play the Southern Kings in Christchurch tonight.
Aaron Cruden has homework to do for the All Blacks' selectors.
Aaron Cruden is still unsure whether he will be kicking for goal against the Highlanders this weekend.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has noted the Highlanders' struggles this season and has suggested a re-think on their work at the breakdown could send them in the right direction.
They are flying high in the New Zealand conference and the Chiefs are about to be strengthened by the return from injury of three key players.
Zac Guildford made a popular return to the training field for the Crusaders today, impressing with his fitness despite an absence of almost two months due to his alcohol issues.
Dave Rennie doesn't have Jamie Joseph's injury problems, but the Chiefs' coach will have to manage his team wisely ahead of Friday night's match against the Highlanders.
For a player who didn't practise his goalkicking much in pre-season, Chiefs fullback Gareth Anscombe is doing an excellent job of bluffing his way through.
One of the biggest decisions the Chiefs coaches face this week is whether to select Liam Messam to play the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth.
