KEY POINTS:
Verdict: Highlanders are well poised for a charge at the semis, proving we can score 4 try bonus points. Coming out of the Aussie/Africa tour with 6 points gives the back-up boys valuable experience ahead of the money rounds at Carisbrook.
Biggest surprise: Hurricanes' limp performances - maybe they'll change their name to "a subtle breeze" next year.
Hero: Jimmy Cowan. Must have read my thoughts earlier this season! A World Cup spot is waiting.
Zero: My 1993 St Bede's College 1st XV teammate, Greg Zampach, unfortunately a forgettable debut and now injured.
Freeze frame: The Sharks' full-time winner against the Crusaders, another reason why Sky should make dramatic NFL-style pre-match short movies.
My time: No changes, would be a insult to Greg Cooper and the team for the hard yakka so far.
In the national interest: All Blacks first, daylight second, Australia and South Africa will struggle to pass the quarters.
Top-four or trapdoor: With still 5 home games left, we can afford to lose 2 and still make the semis. With Anton Oliver's return the Southern men might be headed on an intrepid journey.
Champions: Bangladesh v Ireland, scores tied on the last ball.
