An unusually boring game by New Zealand standards, with the defending champions winning out. This leaves the Chiefs top of the New Zealand conference, with the Canes struggling in 9th place. Time is running out for the Canes to rescue their season.
DTOTY: Gareth Anscombe (315)
Rebels 30 - 21 Stormers
The first game this season that the Rebels had to play without both James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale and they continued their performances and managed to beat a poor Stormers side. Jason Woodward has been one of the better players for the Rebels this season.
DTOTW: Scott Higginbotham (48), Hugh Pyle (40), Andries Bekker (37)
DTOTY: Ged Robinson (470), Hugh Pyle (351), Scott Higginbotham (337), James O'Connor (305), Nick Phipps (144)
Force 13 - 23 Sharks
The Force held up well here, and despite some big performances from Kyle Godwin and Pat Delitt, the Sharks just snuck it.
DTOTW: Kyle Godwin (48), Pat Delitt (30)
DTOTY: Pek Cowan (296)
Crusaders 23 - 3 Blues
This is one result which shocked me to be honest. The Crusaders hadn't been in the best form coming into this, and to keep the Blues tryless is some feat. Lets see if this is a one off performance that has been all too regular for the Crusaders this season.
DTOTW: Ben Funnell (53), Owen Franks (42)
DTOTY: Steven Luatua (348), Rene Ranger (324), Charles Piatau (320)
Waratahs 28 - 22 Brumbies
Another big win for the Waratahs who are right in contention for a playoff spot. Both the Australian teams above them lost last weekend. They still need to win almost all of their remaining matches to stay in contention. It looks to me as if the season is over for anyone under the Tahs on the table.
DTOTW: Michael Hooper (53),
DTOTY: Israel Folau (401)
Bulls 35 - 18 Highlanders
Another efficient performance from the Bulls, and another shocker from the Highlanders, that win two weeks ago looks like a flash in the pan, as opposed to the turning point that many thought it would be.
DTOTW: Ben Smith (32)
Cheetahs 27 - 13 Reds
A Massive result for both these teams, the Cheetahs appear to be genuine playoff contenders, and they haven't let the loss of Johan Goosen upset them at all. Their players were rewarded with Springbok call ups during the week, with Labuschagne and le Roux making overdue appearances in the training squad.
DTOTW: Piet van Zyl (43), Pieter Labuschagne (43), Luke Morahan (32)
DTOTY: James Slipper (364), Pieter Labuschagne (338), Robert Ebersohn (258)
FANTASY:
A Great week for Cillian Hogan, who moves to within 42 points of the lead. Garbhan Hogan got the highest of the round with 434 which brings him within 100 points of 1st. It's beginning to get tight at the top again.
Head to Head results:
Multiple Scoregasms 268 - 340 Ball Handling Hooker
The Weshties 301- 249 GlasUlstermanNSW
Ireland's Answer 351 - 367 Les Mecs
Average 302 - 400 Poseidon's Belvedere
This leaves Cillian Hogan with a 4 point lead at the top.
