Dan Carter 22 Auckland 16

Mighty Mighty Auckland took a huge leap onto the Air New Zealand Cup standings on Saturday night and are now within just two games of the top of the table.  The lads ensured Dan Carter had a good tough hit out in preparation for his inevitable return to international rugby – even going as far as a late, high shoulder charge to ensure Carter can cope with such behaviour when he comes up against the Dirty Filthy Cheating ‘Straalyns in Sydney.  Furthermore the M.M.As also deliberately played below their best in order to help Carters confidence.

The remainder of the matchups over the weekend paled in comparison to the traditional M.M.A / Dirty Filthy Cheating Peoples Republic of Canterbury game and therefore barely rate a mention - also I didn’t see many of them so couldn’t provide an accurate account in my usual unbiased and level headed style.

What I did manage to do was catch the D.F.C ‘Bukkks once again coming out on top of a Tri-Nations game.  The D.F.C ‘Straaalyns had their moments and finished the game two tries to one up but the dominance of Morne Steyn and the entire ‘Bukks pack once again proved the difference. Ironically it was Dirty Filthy Cheating that cost the D.F.C ‘Straaalyns dearly – three yellow cards and more whistle than a game of netball resulted in plenty of kicks at goal for the “Bukks first-five.  Steyn had a near perfect performance that had yours truly reminiscing about the glory days when Carlos Spencer used to take the field for the M.M.A.Bs.

The Tri-Nations takes a weeks break this weekend for the Counties-Manukau Pressies Tens Tournament in Waiuku (‘featuring ‘Rewa Hard), but it will be back in a few weeks with the M.M.A.Bs taking on D.F.C ‘Straaalya in Seeedney on September 22^nd.  Once again Admiral Lord Sir Ayatollah Graham Henry will take on Dingo Deans and once again the M.M.A.Bs will reign supreme.

‘Rewa Hard Pressies are looking strong heading into this weekends’ ten-a-side tournament.  On the field, injuries to key players and a bout of old age have taken their toll but the boat race team is looking strong as usual and ‘Rewa Hard are thirsty for revenge having been knocked out by Ardmore Marist by quarter of a pint in last years semi-finals.

‘Rewa has been the form team this year, having won all but one man-of-the-match scull-offs, but the bitterness of last years defeat is still at the forefront of their minds.  The inspired decision of the board not to replace the team drinking coach after last years defeat has paid dividends despite Willy Lose’s call to promote some idiot from Christchurch to the coaching position. 

Put the house on it folks – ‘Rewa Hard for the cup.