Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says the team's first five Tests of 2017 are going to be "like Everest for us" but warns they are ready for the fight as they attempt to restore faith with fans.

The Wallabies' spring tour midfield pairing of Reece Hodge and Tevita Kuridrani looks set to get another chance to shine.

Brumbies winger Henry Speight paid tribute to a family he'd never met after clinching a finals spot.

The Waratahs have been luckless in New Zealand, but there is no doubt that against quality opposition they have been found out this year.

​Western Force coach Dave Wessels praised his team's fighting spirit after his players dominated for long periods in their 34-12 loss to the Hurricanes in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash in Perth.

The Brumbies have secured Australia's guaranteed finals spot with two games left in the season.

​British and Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland has listed jetlag, new combinations, wastefulness and the depth of Kiwi rugby as reasons for his side's underwhelming start to their 10-match tour of New Zealand.

• Super Rugby

Melbourne mishandling proves costly against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.

Four second-half tries gave the NSW Waratahs a chance to produce a miracle win, but it wasn't enough as the Chiefs ran away 46-31 winners in Hamilton on Saturday.

• COMMENT

New Zealand in winter. The best team in the world. The All Blacks on home turf. Tumbling rain and whipping winds. Even the friendly crowds bay for victory.

Reserve Mitchell Hunt has slotted one of the great Super Rugby field goals to sink the Highlanders and extend the Crusaders' unbeaten season.

• Live

All the action live as the Brumbies close in on a Super Rugby finals spot.

World Cup-winning Wallaby Simon Poidevin says Michael Hooper is "putting all the pressure in the world" on Stephen Moore to take his position as Australian captain.

Royals recruit George Morseu makes fast impression in John I Dent Cup

Captain Sam Carter says the players fell in love with themselves before playing the Rebels in April.

Andrew Muirhead could be back at work just two days after scoring his first Super Rugby tries.

The Brumbies will give Dan McKellar a chance to build a Super Rugby dynasty in Canberra.

The Lions' shock and awe campaign begins in Whangarei on Saturday, with the tourists intent on convincing a sceptical Kiwi public by dispatching the Provincial Barbarians in style.

NSW Waratahs captain Michael Hooper has no doubt Wallabies back row bolter Ned Hanigan can continue on an upward trajectory as he pushes for an international start.