KEY POINTS:
How many Super 14 players would like to see Dan Carter dropkick George Ayoub between the sticks? The busybody Aussie official was at it again in Sydney, interfering from the sideline after referee Craig Joubert made the right call when Crusader Rico Gear clattered into Sam Norton-Knight in mid-air. The collision was accidental but Ayoub saw it differently. Black mark to Joubert: he should have stuck to his guns, instead he believed Ayoub and pinged Gear.
Hewat top duffer
Duffer of the round has to be Waratah Peter Hewat. First he misses an easy, match-winning conversion against the Crusaders. Then, after breaking into open country, with teammates lining up, the defence scrambling and the clock ticking, he drops the ball. It was too much for Greg Clark, former Kiwi league commentator turned Waratahs' cheerleader. "No, no, no!" the "impartial" observer wailed.
Giteau payback
At last the Force are getting some return on their seven-figure investment in Matt Giteau. The Wallaby back set up the only try of their win against the Sharks with a slashing break, and kicked six goals. And after a last-placed finish a year ago, they're on track for the semifinals.
Howlett on track
You can't accuse Doug Howlett of not putting his hand up for a seat on the plane to France this year. The Blues right wing nailed his record-setting 58th Super rugby try in the bruising win over the Chiefs, then stopped prop Nathan White in his tracks 5m from the line. His general work rate was impressive. Nothing like a World Cup to concentrate the mind.
Cheetahs join bad boys
Wian du Preez's sin-binning for an innocuous challenge early in the Cheetahs' loss to the Highlanders ruined their clean disciplinary sheet - their first yellow card of the Super 14. Only the Crusaders and Waratahs have yet to do 14-man time this season. But the Reds have two reds and five yellows.
Hairy moments
Is it our imagination, or do teams on tour seem to be sprouting more exotic looks by the year? Crusaders hooker Corey Flynn sports a set of mutton chops and prop Campbell Johnstone a shaved head and full beard, while Bulls captain Victor Matfield has gone for a spectacular conquistador look.
