It's understandable that, for a lot of people, last night's Super Rugby final was being viewed as a kind of unofficial third Bledisloe Cup test.

Paul Lewis writes: Lauren Boyle's success was one of the most uplifting sights in Glasgow but has underlined a recurring problem - what to do about NZ swimming?

Gorden Tallis has opened a can of worms I find hard to digest. By revealing Robbie Farah told him Wests Tigers mentor Mick Potter "can't coach", he has overstepped the line and it will have an enormous impact on so many people.

Give the Super Rugby trophy to the Waratahs now. Bookies in NZ are clinging to the notion that the Crusaders are on a roll, but Wynne Gray doubts that.

In today's column I want to have an in-depth look at Nemani Nadolo and the way the Crusaders have improved him out of sight and vice versa.

The sights and sounds of our national rugby teams struggling in defeat are rare but well worth the wait for those who like to study the innuendo style of excuse-making.

The Waratahs are concocting a plan to suffocate Daniel Carter in the Super Rugby showdown.

So you don't believe in history's influence on rugby games?

I don't think I understood a single thing about judo until Saturday night.

Kevin Skinner was a bit before my time but had an indirect influence on my career and, indeed, many others.

Some years back, the Aberdeen Evening Express in Scotland reported on a big storm. At its height, a coastguard was asked by marine authorities to estimate wind speed.

You can attribute a large part of the Highlanders' demise last week to their struggles at scrum time against the Sharks.

Why the inquiry, surely it's superfluous? Why would the Waratahs alter an adventurous playing pattern that has vaulted them to the top of the Super Rugby series?

Those arriving for the first time in Glasgow yesterday would be thinking the stories they'd heard about the climate were bang on, writes David Leggat.

Let's compliment the Highlanders on the way they approached the game against the Sharks, writes Justin Marshall.

It's been another confusing and often boring Super 15 season but Saturday night's semifinal clash in Christchurch should be well worth the wait, writes Chris Rattue.

Even though Henry Speight has been busy with the Brumbies for a while now, you still wanted to rub your eyes.

Dynasty is a pretty big word in sport but I really think Andrew McFadden is on his way to establishing one with the Warriors.

With one sublime moment yesterday Germany broke a 24-year drought - and saved the World Cup for Brazil.

Whatever the remedy for the Blues woes, John Kirwan has not found the answer, writes Wynne Gray.

The Crusaders' attack has probably been their Achilles heel this season, but they are looking a lot more balanced now and have an ominous momentum heading into the finals.

Don't laugh, especially on the league angle. But the weekend signalled that a New Zealand Super 15 and NRL double is on.

If experience counts for one iota in the Super 15 playoffs, the Crusaders will make inroads.

As the Fifa World Cup draws near its glorious finale, the calls of "best tournament ever" have been thrown around wildly.

He gets booed in stadiums and pilloried outside them.

It is no exaggeration to suggest the situation is dire and the Chiefs' chances of clawing their way to safety and a continued ride in defence of their Super Rugby crown, is grim.