What will the Super 14 table look like when the All Blacks return?
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Force accusations
The Waratahs aimed a torrent of insults at the Force before their game, accusing them of underhand tactics in poaching players and lacking respect. Lote Tuqiri may have been wondering if Sam Norton-Knight was a Force plant as he pushed and then slated his teammate
for ignoring a penalty shot after the siren.
Bandage brigade
What is it with the Brumbies' first five-eighths? Stephen Larkham wears more bandages than an Alexandra Park champion and his replacement Julian Huxley always trusses one arm from bicep to wrist. He was not alone at Canberra as Bulls skipper Victor Matfield had his ever-present armguard (cue Kevin Putt) and centre JP Nel was similarly equipped.
Bleeding practice
After yet another lineout drive from the Bulls, commentator Phil Kearns suggested "they must practise these until their noses bleed at altitude". Also handling a microphone in Brisbane was another former Wallaby frontrower, Bill Young.
Rare encounters
From the rarely seen files: Highlanders replacement fullback James Wilson kicked the ball into his own posts as he tried to clear from his deadball area while the Brumbies scored their first try in 103 minutes of rugby.
A rose by any. . .
Best name in the competition? Chiliboy Ralepelle is good, Herman Hunt is a contender, Wylie Human always gets a vote, Rudi Vedelago is supported but Beast Mtawarira is our latest favourite. What a name for a prop ... pity he couldn't live up to that reputation for the Sharks.
Kicking feats
When it seemed Isa Nacewa's victorious sideline conversion after the siren in the wet for the Blues against the Brumbies could not be bettered, along came Sharks kicker Ruan Pienaar and his similar feat against the Crusaders. Which kick wins the Golden Nudge Award?
Top contenders
On the evidence so far, Troy Flavell and Luke McAlisterwould be picked in the All Black test side. Neither has been through the reconditioning programme, so will they be packed off to similar schedules to prepare for the World Cup rather than international duty after the Super 14?
Winless wonders
When did an Australian side last win a match? February 17 when the Brumbies crawled past the Reds 6-3. Worth remembering? Probably not.
