LIONS v REBELS

Loftus Versfeld soil last weekend, you would have thought he was going to go for a skate.

Nup. TMO Christie du Preez told referee Marius van der Westhuizen there was no need to review the incident. Seriously? You wouldn’t blame Pretoria locals from ordering a double brandy after such a ludicrous decision. Then the Sanzaar foul play review committee comes out and suspends Ward for five weeks. Make that firewater a triple, boetie.

8. If the Sunwolves are an endangered species, as some reports suggest, a lot of Kiwis are going to be looking for work.

Access to the East Asia market is important in a commercial sense. But how much local talent has been harvested and developed since the Sunwolves joined the competition in 2016?

9. Advance Australia’s fairest.

The Aussies continue to make this the most interesting Super Rugby season in recent times. Which doesn’t hurt as the Sanzaar partners try to woo broadcasters ahead of the next deal. If the Rebels can survive their trip to the Lions’ den in Jo’burg to remain unbeaten, the competition will be all the better for it.

10. A gripe. Not a fresh one, alas.

Is the offside line still lodged at the last man’s feet in a ruck? Thought so. Rushing defences are one thing. Having referees ensure they stay within the laws is another. Let’s be having it.