This weekend saw the end for the unbeaten sides in Super Rugby with the Chiefs and Sharks succumbing to the Force and Bulls away from home - the Chiefs' defeat to the Force was a bit of a surprise even if it should have been somewhat expected given the Perth side's start to the season and current form.
Despite the Chiefs' defeat to the Force, it was a pretty good weekend for the Kiwi sides with the Highlanders and Blues winning to get their seasons back on track - the Highlanders look like surprise contenders this early in the season as usual although it is really questionable if they can sustain a challenge for the playoffs for the whole season.
Nevertheless, 2 wins from 4 is a much better return than last season's already and given the promise shown by the backs and loosies this season, rugby fans from the Deep South have much to look forward to.
As for Hurricanes fans, it appears to be more of the same - penalties costing them dearly and stymying the magic produced by the likes of Beauden Barrett and Julian and Ardie Savea which would have won them games had they not been so ill-disciplined at the breakdowns. Beauden Barrett in particular is showing the form that Ben Smith showed last season for the Highlanders but could very well find his magic wasted by such a talented yet mercurial side.
Mind you, the same could really be said about the Blues although some credit should be given to them for showing plenty of energy in their game against the Cheetahs from start to finish, considering that they had only just got back to New Zealand from South Africa only a few days before. First five remains a big question mark even if Simon Hickey has shown some promise - it seems John Kirwan still hasn't settled on his first-choice first five although it is clear that Chris Noakes doesn't deserve that spot.
Elsewhere, the Waratahs continued their renaissance on the back of Israel Folau's record breaking season - he's halfway to breaking the try-scoring record for the season - thrashing the Rebels on Friday night. The Australian conference looks pretty interesting and competitive this season with the Reds and Brumbies as usual in the mix, joined by the surprising Force.
The Force are not the most talented of sides, lacking the stars of the other Super Rugby teams - unless you consider the Honeybadger as a star just by his witty quotes and one-liners - but the one thing they definitely have on their side is industry and team spirit and that has really gotten them home against more fancied sides particularly at their fortress nib Stadium.
Anyway, here is a recap of all the action from the weekend - before PRIME shows it at 4:30pm!
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