Super 14 Round 9

Highlanders v Force: Why were they playing in Q'Town? What a farce. No home ground advantage (the Highlanders need every advantage they can get) and ended up looking like a club match. Seriously, Highlanders have to pick up their act. Their defence was woeful and they lack professionalism. What is it with Vainikolo? Why does he always make try scoring look like such a difficult art? Enthusiasm got the Force over the line.

Blues v Stormers: Stormers outclassed the Blues. They looked dominant throughout and Blues were always playing catch up with this one. Too many in the Blues backline playing out of position to have any chance. Luke is a 10, Rene a 14, Joe an 11 etc...when are coaches and players alike going to play in their preferred postions and don't give me any of this modern day, multi tasking crap. It takes years for players to nuture their skill but they have to play in their preferred postion for that to happen. Grant Fox would be on the wing these days if coaches had their way! They have the talent but are in serious need of an overhaul...middle of the pack at best.

Bulls v Chiefs: Same as above. Sorry, I know a lot will disgree but Donald isn't a 12..he's just a 'handy' player and overrated in my book. Admired the way the Chiefs fought in this match and still have some fight left in them. Not the outfit they were last year but have had some injuries. Need to be at full strength to have any chance. Bulls were dominant and superbly lead by their charismatic leader, Matfield.

Crusaders v Warratahs: Home ground advantage was the winner here. Crusaders finished strongly and deserved the win. Not much between these 2 teams but can't see either team winning the competition. I am worried about the hole that would be left if Richie wasn't playing. He can't do it on his own and the Crusdaders (propping up NZ rugby at the moment) are not the team of old but can ground out a win if necessary. It felt like either team could have got up and had Kurtley Beale not been penalised for offside while going for an intercept it would have been all over.

Reds v Lions: The Reds are on the road and winning! This is a team playing with real confidence and any win in South Africa is valuable, regardless of the opposition. They are actually starting to look like top 4 prospects and don't be surprised if they cause a few more upsets along the way. The inside halves combination of Genia and Cooper is a treat to watch. It's not often you get 2 players that gel like this but when you do, sparks fly. The Lions tried hard but were never really in it. Carlos Spencer had a first half he would want to forget but improved in the 2nd half when he and his team, got back to the basics.