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He has been supplanted by Kurtley Beale to start. Meanwhile we have his namesake K. Beale (as in Kay Beale, like Homer Jay Simpson) for the inside back bench spot.

Overseas ANZAC XV 1. Neemia Tialata 2. Corey Flynn / Hikawera Elliot 3. John Afoa / Carl Hayman 4. Ali Williams / Dean Mumm 5. Sitaleki Timani 6. Peter Kimlin 7. George Smith 8. Chris Masoe 9. Alby Mathewson 10. Nick Evans 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Matt Giteau 13. Rene Ranger / Richard Kahui 14...

Before I comment on the Placid incident, I'll just say first that the referee's decision to yellow Cottrell was correct; while his right arm looked to have wrapped around the player, he led with his left shoulder in the contact and at no point did he look to wrap the left arm. That's funny...

This proposed game, unlike the England rugby league vs Wallabies fixture, appears to have a far greater chance of getting off the ground, especially with the political backing from both sides of the Tasman. Without being presumptuous, I don't think there would be many players that wouldn't jump...

Something interesting I found - a pre-game "Haka" was performed by a large number of students from North-West University (NWU), in a Varsity Cup match in South Africa.

Conor Murray has to be the best scrumhalf in the world currently. His form has been extraordinary for his province, for the Lions and for Ireland

I have a feeling you hold this position because of Marto's commentary on the weekend, but I'll just comment on the incident one last time. (i) does not only relate to a tackle; it mentions additional forms of contact, i.e. "A player must not tackle nor tap, push or pull the foot or feet of an...

What about Ed Stubbs for 13? I've not seen his name floated around, so I'm guessing he's not required this year?

Dont forget Mowen, Hoiles, Smith, Finegan etc. Any Brumbies backrowers I've missed?

It would be interesting to see McCabe trialled at 13. A hard, straight runner, and an intelligent and reliable defender, he has improved immensely in other facets of his play, but I still have my inhibitions about him playing at 12 (unfairly probably), what with more ball-playing options then...

All the right noises coming out of Canberra. Great to read how seriously the Brumbies coaches are taking the NRC, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are near or at the top of the comp with the sort of preparation they're conducting

And it's a bit disingenous to say that he because Placid didn't tap, push or pull Hayward's legs with his hands or arms, that he is precluded from being penalised. I wasn't aware you couldn't tap or push someone with your chest/torso?

It's one thing to say he was going for the ball, but apart from having his eyes on the ball, he didn't get up and challenge in the air. In that case, he's playing him in the air and Placid caused Hayward to land as awkward as he did. It was careless no doubt, but it's still a penalty...

Well this is shaping up to be a clash for the ages; a real David (Waratahs) and Goliath (Force) story. The Tahs are ranked 4th, the Force 5th so clearly the odds on the former getting the perfect result are already tipped in their favour. And it is a large winning margin that I anticipate on...

Cheika hysterical in the coaches box

Why do the Stormers persist with Grant? When he's not kicking well, he's a liability at flyhalf. Catrakillis has an accurate, if not more accurate kicking boot, and can actually tackle and run with the ball. And not play 10m behind the advantage line.

34-10 to the Cheetahs in the first half. Currently 40-36 to the Cheetahs still in the lead, but with the Cheifs outscoring them 26 to 6. Tackling is optional for the Cheetahs in the second half.

Spoke too soon. 35-16 to Munster at the 64th minute.

Anyone else watching the Munster vs Toulouse match? Just tuned in after 45 minutes and Munster looked like they were in control at 27-9. But the impetus seems to be with Toulouse now, with Gear's try.