So much to mull over so early on

The first round of Super Rugby has expired and already there has been plenty to discuss. Sanzaar officials are going under the blowtorch, the Blues need to fix their mental frailties and Waratahs mischief maker Kurtley Beale has had some explaining to do. Here’s 10 talking points ahead of round two:

1. Shannon Frizell’s performance at No 6 will be something to focus on when the Highlanders meet the Reds tonight.

With Liam Squire already featuring in the medicos diary (hip injury), Frizell gets his first run-on start of the season. Which means the fight for the All Blacks’ blindside flanker spot is already gaining heat; Jordan Taufua, Jackson Hemopo, Vaea Fifita and Akira Ioane are all potential options to make the Japan-bound Squire squirm.

2. Regardless of what unfolds in Dunedin, Reds coach and former All Blacks lock Brad Thorn deserves a warm reception.

Mosgiel-born Thorn, who ended his playing career in New Zealand at the Highlanders in 2014, will be desperate for the Queenslanders to claim a scalp in his first visit to Forsyth Barr Stadium as a coach. It’s highly unlikely to happen. The Highlanders, having named nine All Blacks in the starting XV, should have too much X-factor inside the best stadium in New Zealand.

3. Walking headline Kurtley Beale gets his first gallop for the Waratahs against the Sunwolves in Tokyo tomorrow.

Leaked videos of off-field shenanigans meant the Wallabies star had to offer the media an explanation prior to the team leaving Sydney. Spare a thought for Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle. She must jump with fright whenever a memo with Beale’s name in the subject line appears in her inbox.

4. Crusaders No 10 Richie Mo’unga was quiet when his side somehow escaped with a 24-22 win over the Blues in Auckland.

You got the feeling that he was still finding his groove following the summer break, and in time will get his motor firing. It might be harder for another All Blacks playmaker, Brett Cameron, to get exposure. With the more experienced Mitchell Hunt providing cover for No 10 and fullback from the bench, Cameron is going to have to be patient.

5. By allowing the Crusaders to escape the dark dungeon of defeat at Eden Park, the Blues did little to dispel theories about their mental frailties.

A couple of late kicks missed by Harry Plummer, and an embarrassing decision by Augi Pulu to dart down a non-existent short side with a few minutes left, sealed their fate. And former All Black Ma’a Nonu had a mixed outing.

Coach Leon MacDonald will be demanding a higher standard of execution against the Sharks in steamy Durban.

6. Just one round gone, and already the officials are copping it.

With the Sanzaar judicial committee dismissing the red card issued to Highlanders replacement back Sio Tomkinson last Friday night, it’s worth asking – once again – whether refs should be able to follow their NRL cousins and put players on ‘‘report’’. It needs to be considered, surely.

7. A fractured cheekbone has spiked Toni Pulu’s date with his old mates from the Chiefs in Canberra tomorrow night.

While wing Pulu would have loved the chance to have a crack at his old mates from New Zealand, the reality is he’s got bigger things to worry about. Such as getting back on the field to prove to the Wallaby selectors he’s good enough to be picked in the World Cup later in the year.

8. Star Brumbies back rower David Pocock has been forced to pull on the handbrake.

Having failed an HIA following a blow to the head in the opening minutes of the defeat to the Rebels in Canberra, Pocock has been sidelined. The problems are already piling up for the Brumbies.

9. Handre Pollard was in terrific touch for the Bulls during the 40-3 win over the Stormers in Pretoria.

Kiwis wanting to do their due diligence ahead of the World Cup could do worse than monitor the fortunes of first five-eighth Pollard during Super Rugby. If he goes well, the Springboks are a real chance in Japan later this year.

10. The All Blacks management have yet to publicly confirm when they will stage their ‘‘foundation’’ days for ABs players during the Super Rugby season.

All we know is that they are happening. A spokesperson for the All Blacks told Stuff that all will be revealed at a later date.

Clearly there’s a need for the All Blacks to prepare for the World Cup, and everyone gets that. But what will be interesting is whether any of the five clubs will be unable to select All Blacks for games (as was the case when the Chiefs played the Sharks in Durban last year) because of the training camps. There is potential for them to be coach killers. Watch this space.