Honour and glory

What do fine dining restaurants and rugby stadiums have in common? On the surface, not a hellofalot, but it's quiet obvious really ... they both (usually) have a very limited selection of beers for you to choose from and you end up with a choice between something you don't really like, and something you know will give your head something to shout about all the next day.

In case you haven't guessed it, I have a confession to make...

I went out this weekend so all my viewing time this week was courtesy of my good buddy IQ (since we are such good friends it probably deserves a name, but I don't want to breach trademark - besides, my GPS is already called Gary and some people look at me funny) - on Sunday arvo, so I haven't seen them all.

Gasp, shock, horror. Ok getting on with it now.

I started with the Crusaders vs the Waratahs in Nelson.

This was a very poignant setting. Relocated from AMI Stadium due to the earthquake, with (as the Crusaders had determined months ago to dedicate their first home game to the victims of the Pike River mining disaster) the team discarding their usual read and black in favour of the West Coast Rugby Union's red and white strip.

The Crusaders less than perfect (probably understatement of the century) preparation showed early on. handling was dodgy and Sonny Bill Williams threw a number of very iffy passes trying to force the offload rather than take the tackle and play the ball.

Last week, Rebels vice captain Gareth Delve was pinged for 'not releasing the ball'. This week, Big Brad Thorn played on - 'not held'- in almost identical circumstances, I think the players and referees are going to need some clarification on that moving forward, or there will be riots in the stands.

Unfortunately for the Waratahs, Daniel Halangahu left his kicking boots in Sydney and the Tahs were unable to turn Canterbury's mistakes into points.

Then, at around the 30 minute mark, the Crusaders changed gear. Robbie Fruean ran in an intercept try from half way and then combined with SBW for a second. Carter's fifth kick from five attempts sailed over the posts, against a gorgeous Nelson sunset and the stage was set for the Canterbury's dominance of the second half.

Waratah's perfect season over.

Then I turned my attention to the Rebels first game away from AAMI Park, and vocal support from the Rebel Army.

I'll be honest, I had - well not exactly high - hopes for the Rebels. I'm not saying I expected a win, but it would have been nice to come close.

I figured they'd have the momentum going in ... coming off a win and with the Chief's Rugby Park hudoo (not having won a game at home all season in 2010). The wet conditions looked like they'd help contain the Chiefs insane back line and the Rebels defense had been key in the win over the Brumbies, I thought they should at least have a shot ... not enough to pick 'em though ....

Umanga showed that the grand daddy of the comp can still mix it with the young fellas and played a very physical game - there was definitely some de-ja-vu watching his dreadlocked head coming up against Mortlock's bald noggin.

Which reminds me ... who needs Murray when we've got commentators like Matthew Cooper talking about all the 'nude nuts' on the park?

The Rebels missed Kevin O'Neil, the lineout was a mess, and league convert Jarrod Saffy seemed to be having trouble getting his head around the breakdown, pinged several times for not rolling away. So, lots to work on before next week's clash against one of the form teams in the competition.

Speaking of the Sharks ... their match-up against the Force was the last game of my personal triple-header ... one word ..... MEDIC ......

The attrition rate in this encounter was phenomenal!!!

Within the first 20 minutes, the two sides had lost four players. Mitch Inman's dislocated elbow made for some squeamish viewing, although the Force were made much more uncomfortable when his replacement,  Rory Sidey was red carded shortly after he took the field for a dangerous tackle which saw Sharks winger Odwa Ndungane carried from the field on a stretcher. Star flanker David Pocock also left the field with what looked like a bung knee after being bent the wrong way over a ruck.

In the second half, Sharks flier JP Pietersen hobbled off bringing an end to his interesting battle with 80's glam rock impersonator Nick Cummins (who's own game was cut short in the dying stages due to a late shot on Louis Ludik).

But somewhere in the middle of all that there was some rugby.

The Sharks scored four tries, but crossed the line six times. Poor Mvovo pulled back twice (once after a full 75m sprint) for the whistle. Bismark du Plessis lumbered over for a push over try that is fast becoming Sharks trademark, and personally, I think Pat Lambie won the battle of the 20 year old wunderkinds at Number 10.