This week’s panel features Paul Allison and Alex Powell. On the agenda this weekend:

• The new Black Caps coach has been named
• Rising complaints over the Super Rugby playoffs format
• Red Bull is giving Yuki Tsunoda time and support - something they didn't give Liam Lawson

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The Southern Steel are looking to redeem themselves after last week’s ANZ Premiership fixture.

They were defeated by the Pulse, falling 45-70 in Invercargill.

Assistant Coach Liana Leota joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash.

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The Blues will be fighting to get four of their departing players another week in the jersey when they battle the Chiefs in the Super Rugby playoffs tonight in Hamilton.

Mark Tele'a, Ricky Riccitelli, Harry Plummer and Adrian Choat are all leaving after this season.

Choat says the team's fully aware of what's at stake.

He told D’Arcy Waldegrave they’re all playing for each other, and they’re trying to get the job done as they still have a goal to win the entire competition.

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I’m fascinated by the accelerated criticisms around the finals structure of Super Rugby Pacific.

Granted, the process is not perfect. The matches could have been ordered in manner that may avoid the probability that the Hurricanes-Brumbies encounter result will be essentially of little import.

The nature of qualification where a life is offered to the highest qualifying loser isn’t ideal.

The issue here of course is the number of teams competing. This was foisted upon the organisers after the Rebels folded. That odd number has created the need for an unusual competition structure which has caused much consternation amongst, predominantly, the media. That number of teams though, has also been the making of this Super Rugby this season. As sad as it was to watch the hapless Rebels stumble and fall, their death has resulted in a vibrant competition that has enthralled the masses since day one.

This appears to have been forgotten by the army of enraged media who are now taking potshots at the structure, now that they have tired of celebrating the good.

The powers that be had no idea how the points collection would pan out. They weren't to know who would end up where. Yes, they had control over the placement of the finals fixtures, and have probably acquiesced to the broadcasters timing needs, but Super Rugby Pacific isn’t a charity, bills need to be paid.

There is only one certainty here. There will be one winner. Regardless of how they scale their lofty peak, whatever steps they had to take, none of that matters in the wash up.

The champion of 2025 will be remembered, not how they got there.

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Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says they can't afford to take the Blues lightly in today’s Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final in Hamilton.

The Chiefs beat the Blues twice this season, although their previous meeting was a one-point win.

McMillan feels they can't read much into the Blues' recent form but acknowledges the threat of the defending champions.

Tonight’s game is a rematch of last year’s final, in which the Blues claimed victory 41-10.

Chiefs scrum-half Xavier Roe joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash.

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The Crusaders' home Super Rugby playoff winning record has been extended to 30 consecutive games after a comfortable 32-12 win over the Queensland Reds in Christchurch.

The hosts ran in five tries to two and held the Reds scoreless for 70 minutes.

The result secures the Crusaders a home semifinal next week.

Commentator Tony Johnson joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to review the clash.

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This week’s panel features NZ Herald Sports Journalist Michael Burgess and Sports Commentator Lavina Good. On the agenda this weekend:

• Is the 'Run it Straight' style game a stain on society?
• Violence against referees in local rugby.
• What will Gary Stead's legacy be once he fully retires?

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Our Australian Correspondent Jim Dolan gives us the latest from the wonderful wide world of Aussie sport.

• The Waratahs are still in with a chance - how?
• Everyone is talking about the players who aren't playing in the NRL
• The Aussies need someone to score some runs ahead of the World Test Championship.

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