KEY POINTS:
This has been bugging us awhile. What is under Bulls captain Victor Matfield's arm guard? He does not appear to have a particularly weak or damaged right forearm which needs a protective cover. It can't be an aid for leaping or catching in the lineout. So, what's the story Victor?
GETTING TONGUE ROUND NAMES
Okay, some of our pronunciations of French or Argentine names might sound odd to their ears, but what's with the commentators in the Sharks-Blues match? First rule of commentating surely is learning how the names should be spoken. At a pinch Isaia 2-R-va might get by, but Troy Flay Vill?
BULLS FANS DON'T HOLD BACK
Seeing the size and passion of the Durban and, especially, Pretoria crowds, you'd have thought we were seeing two of the better exponents of South Africa's national sport. But remember soccer is No 1 in the Republic. The blue-flag-waving 50,000 rabid Bulls mob, with the sheer volume of noise, were a sight. And we think Cantabs are parochial. They're nothing on this lot.
UNWANTED RECORD FOR FLAVELL
New Zealand's five franchises played a total of 14 games in South Africa in the Super 14. The Crusaders had one win, the Chiefs a draw, the other 11 were lost. Flavell has the record for the skipper who had to make the most losing speeches there, with three, at Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban.
RECONDITIONING PUZZLE
How many of the reconditioned All Blacks stood out in yesterday's semifinals? Chris Jack was impressive for the Crusaders, until being replaced midway through the second half. Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu toiled away pretty tidily in the Blues front row. The rest? Imposing? Authoritative? Mmmm.
