KEY POINTS:
We don't want to rub it in but six rounds gone and still a big fat zero in the bonus points try column for the Australian sides. The Waratahs and Force have both scored three tries in a game but really! However the Ockers are top of the heap in one category - sinbinnings.
Flies have it
Those listening through Sports Ears at Aussie Stadium got some unexpected interference from referee Kelvin Deaker. Just before halftime, thousands of flies descended on the ground, clogging spectators' airways and causing several players and Deaker to have coughing fits.
Silly caps
There is some very curious ambush marketing from some Super 14 sides whose captains are interviewed on television soon after matches. Plonking caps on perspiring players looks stupid and is probably very uncomfortable while most of the advertising logos are invisible because players like Victor Matfield and Nathan Sharpe are several storeys higher than the interviewers or camera operators.
Scary hairy
Maybe it was a dare, or you would like to think so. But among an array of exotic hairdos at the Force, the one worn by the No 19 reserve, Matt Hodgson, was the most outrageous. Several chunks of his hair were dyed and a large L sprayed into the side of his head. Perhaps he was a probationary rugby player or agreed to wear the loser symbol until the Force changed it into a W on Friday night.
And he was born here
Liked the moves teenage five-eighths Quade Cooperpulled in a pretty dreary Reds performance. Cooper is still 18, an Australian schoolboys rep but was born in New Zealand and attended Forest View High School in Tokoroa before shifting to Brisbane. Reminds us of another teenage rugby talent from the same school, Jason Goldsmith, who played for the All Blacks in 1988 before he broke his leg and faded from the scene.
Kick of season?
Not long ago, former Wallaby kicking coach Ben Perkins suggested Cameron Shepherd had the perfect kicking action, an observation which had a serious ring when he slotted from the sideline for the Force's first home victory, to rival Isa Nacewa and Ruan Pienaar for kick of the season.
Onya douggie
It would be perfect if Blues right wing Doug Howlett could set a new record for Super rugby tries in his 100th Super game when the Blues play the Waratahs after their bye this week. Howlett equalled Joe Roff as the leading tryscorer in Super rugby when he bagged two against the Lions. Howlett and Roff have each scored 57 tries, one ahead of Christian Cullen.
