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Thank goodness I watched the Wallaroos. The Rebels caved in big-time, so now I can not watch on catch-up and won't have my psyche damaged. Enjoyed the game, there was some good stuff on both sides to start the test season, but we are way behind the English women. The Fijiana have the English...

Hopefully DC is just throwing Horton some scraps and Vailanu will be back at 16 next Saturday. What he did against the Crusaders was an order of magnitude better than Horton's play this year.

There's a new rule out that lets you off another week providing you are a judiciary first-timer. If you agree to undergo a WR (World Rugby) tackle rectification program then you get one week less off. The cynic in me thinks that this is just another rort - soon we'll have no penalty for high tackles/head...

Johnson-Holmes gone for the season. He will be missed more than some would think because he was a key part of the front row trio that our midfield defence is built around. Given our lack of depth at THP, I fear for our scrum against the better NZ teams. Hooper is out for a week due to HIA...

Moana Pacifica was squeezed out by the Rebels last week by four. The Waratahs had a huge win (by 3) against the Crusaders. So, by the form book, the Waratahs should take it out easily. But... Moana Pacifica are at home with their fans to support and the Waratahs may suffer some let down from the...

8 weeks is a huge loss for the Reds, he's their most important player. That would mean he was out till the Grand Final and without him I reckon they won't get that far.

Lose this one and they'll have lost three on the trot and likely to be in the bottom half of the eight. Its a big week! Any news on Tupou's knee?

And ditto for the SCG!!!!

The Crusaders weren't awful at all. This is just wishful thinking! Had they been awful it would have been a blowout. The Tahs were hard, accurate and dominant in tackles - all the hallmarks of the Crusaders over the years. And Mo'unga wasn't the difference either, the Crusader 10 made a few...

Weather seems to be turning around. Now likely to be not raining, though the ground might be a little damp. Still its very fast draining so I think we can look for good rugby conditions. Any last-minute attendees should note that its a 5:00 pm start!!!

You have to lose three to be in serious trouble. Even then, your 20/21 is usually fast enough to move to 12. IMO its a good strategy against the Blues, where their forward pack is so strong. If you ask 6 of your 8 to empty themselves by 50 minutes you can bring on six fresh substitutes for 20-30.

And the forecast is : 90% chance of rain, 9 am to 9 pm, 5-10 mm. We've been doing better in the rain this year, practice makes perfect I suppose. But although Christchurch is pretty dry, the Crusaders seem to like the wet to play in. We mightn't see too much running back play though, which...

FA'AMAUSILI IS BACK!!!!

What would have been really nice would have been to see Vunivalu against the Chiefs backline to find out if he's ever going to be any good. Based on all the evidence to date you would think that his hamstrings won't stand up to this class of rugby and he needs to retire permanently.

Given the obvious outs, that's about the best we can do. I would have put Donaldson at 15 where he played last year, with Newsome on Pietsch's wing and put Roberts on the bench. Otherwise, its the best possible and should hopefully get a bonus point loss. It will very much depend on Vailanu...

Who's got the whistle? Murphy has got Melbourne, that's a relief for us.

Not sure why? Relative table positions and form, plus its in Melbourne. Sounds about the right odds.

I thought that Ardie basically got the win against the Reds on his own; he was immense. Maybe he should play 6 with a big bopper 8 but for me he's an automatic NZ selection wherever he plays.

The Bell decision, like it or not, has changed the dynamic this week. If Porecki is cleared then the Crusaders will face one of the best front rows in the comp and the foundation on which the Waratahs build their defensive pattern. Apart from the morale lift this will offer them, there'll be the...

When does Bell go to the hearing?