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Leinster probably dont want him. Elsom is surplus to their requirements. They have a ball of dynamic muscle at 6 called Stephen O'Brien who has been hyped up by the Irish. In addition Leinster also have two young fine backrow lads called Ryan and Ruddock, both of whom play 6 (Ruddock was capped...

Excellent stat. Is there a breakdown by country anywhere?

Elsom is a mixed bag in terms of value. Yes, he is a one of the best back-row forwards in the world, a proven, consistent performer when fit. Brian O'Driscoll said without equivocation that Elsom was the best player he had ever played with. However, "when fit" is the operative term here...

Godfrey, I recognize that the mods wish to continue their excellent record of securing this forum for discussion that is genuinely civil (and I confess that I have transgressed on my brief time here) and a forum that is open to different viewpoints and fosters conflicting opinions on the game...

Well, in support of Tigerland12 and Qwerty's opinion that JOC (James O'Connor) is more than a little confident but a somewhat self-indulgent, egotistical lad we have this fabulous comment "I guess I want what's best for myself and building my rugby brand," O'Connor told Channel 9...

This whole "will he/ won't he" courtship has left an unsavory taste in my mouth. While I believe it would have been best for Australian rugby if JOC (James O'Connor) had stayed in Perth and played before such a great fan base, and I firmly believe that JOC (James O'Connor) has played superbly for the Force and owes them nothing...

Same Cane at 7 looks like he will be the next outstanding 7to come out of NZ. Barrett at 15 (although he can play anywhere in the backline) looks like he has all the skills and the temperament to make it to an AB shirt as well. Nobody has put this Kiwi side under any pressure at all. We'll see...

Owen, the younger of the two is the better scrummager and a very good TH at only 23 yrs of age, the best in NZ. Ben is the better of the two brothers in open play, and can play both sides of the scrum. Both will be in the WC squad if healthy.

Well, I expect AB caliber players to be strong and consistent performers for the franchise, and to perform at a level of excellence or there abouts most of the time, and certainly not be be frequently outplayed by their oposite numbers. The pressure will mount as questions are asked after the...

Mate, Blues vs Crusaders was a cracker of a game with some fine moves ending with a spilled ball at the try-line. Different level of intensity to this crap. Blues strung together a 30 phase attack that eventually resulted in a try.

Highlanders kept scoreless in 2nd half.

A lot of diving over the top from Highlanders. Ref letting everything go.

Cowan was rested. Henry thought he hadn't sufficient rest apparently.

Steady. He is up against Mac, not noted as a scrummager even down on the family farm.

+1 He has other priorities, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that but I'd hate to see him swan back in to contention for a WV squad place. Not sure Dean feels that way though.

Tahs have the edge at set-piece time, and have the talent behind the front 8. They just need to commit more numbers to the breakdown!

Any team that uses MacIntosh as a first receiver in open play at midfield is really f**king limited.

he really think Tahs are going to crush Highlanders, a hardworking kiwi side that really has been punching above its weight and has been found wanting deeper into the comp.

Tahs just look like a more complete team so far. Set piece is more solid. Showing real urgency, and if they exhibit some composure I think they'll win this comfortably. Beale looking really sharp. Highlanders dont appear to have enough weapons.

Aside from Carter, Mealamu, and Franks, I really don't see too many ABs playing consistently well right now. They will need to lift their game and that will get increasingly difficult as the pressure mounts. It just wont be the time to find your game.