A good start to the weekend games, and as expected, the Chiefs fell to pieces as the Hurricanes played less hurri-ball and more controlled rugby.  Couple that with the fact that Jimmy Gopperth found some form, and Stephen Donald continued to be so out of form it was not funny, and the writing was on the wall after 20 minutes.

Still a long way from a flawless game from the Canes though, but a huge leap in the right direction.  Second half they loosened up a lot, but still were much more controlled, and playing rugby, as opposed to the ELVs inspired sevens from the first round.

he Chiefs on the other hand, where to start?  Well, their scrum went better than it had, but still on shaky ground, ahhh, that is about it on the upside.  That and next week it looks like Kahui and Leonard will be back on deck!!

Some good performances from individual players this week too as players get into stride with both the ELVs and just playing rugby at this level again.  First up, Jerry Collins.  Quite over the first two weeks of the Super season, just showing glimpses of his class.  Well, the old war horse (not that old, but he's been around forever, or maybe slightly longer) burst into life this week, that is for sure.  His passing game back into action, and two tries thanks to that - Nonu bursting onto a short ball to score, and the second, which to be fair, required some good inter-passing once the Collins ball had gone, supplied a try for Paku.  It was more the Collins run though for that try, throwing a nice dummy and cutting through a gap like a hot flanker through a Chiefs forward pack...  Anyway, the big guy is back, and looking bloody dangerous!

Also on fire with ball in hand was John Schwalger.  Robust running reminded all that he is still not a bad footy player, and his scrummaging, while not in the class of Woodcock, is still pretty handy.  And once you remove Woodcock from the scene, who is the second rated loosehead prop in New Zealand...?  That spot is up for grabs.  So'oialo again effective and playing at the top of his game - his dropped catch that he flicked back into his own hands with his foot being a classic example of a player in form being able to do tin arse things like that.  If Donald had tried to do anything like that he would have probably kicked his own teeth out!! 

Gopperth as mentioned above was on fire, more so in that first half, running at the line and breaking to set up a couple of tries, and kicking well throughout.  Most unlike him!!  If he keeps thisn sort of form going, the Hurricanes for an outside bet at a title shot.  Ma'a Nonu his usual mix of brilliance and boofheadedness.  But more and more brilliance showing through each week, and less and less of the other, which is only good for Ma'a and NZ rugby I reckons.

No real standouts otherwise for the Hurricanes.  Weepu again average compared what what we know he can deliver. and Jason Eaton after his fiest game back where he looked, and played like the new Messiah, largely anonymous!  Neemia Tialata was again disappointing before going off with a hamstring injury.  Just so far off the pace it is not funny.  His fitness levels make those Biltong Biting Boer props look like Olympic marathon runners.

Speaking of hamstring injuries, Jono Gibbes is out for six weeks, the Chiefs captains injury jinx catching up with him 35 minutes into the third game of the season.  And no half hearted strains for the cauli-eared lock, but a tear, that requires the big lug to use crutches. 

So bright points in the Chiefs, their improved scrum, and the work rate also of their two props I thought was better than usual - Ben Castle even getting out and about other than just in the set pieces!  And Ben May when he came on in the second spell - has he perhaps earned himself a starting spot next week...?  Loose trio again struggled thanks to the tight five struggling, I would love to se Messam and Latimer operating behind a powerful five.  Sione Lauaki too, I am sure he would like that too.  Lauaki did though get a few gallops with the ball in hand and looked dangerous when he did.  He needs to run lower to the ground though, his hitting into contact at times it looked as if he was almost leaning over backwards!!  Drop your shoulder big boy, and start hurting people!!

The Chiefs backs looked as disjointed as they were.  Muliaina did not look too bad at centre, he actually made a nice clean break from centre, and made yards with the ball every time he had it - fought for every yard he made, and then some.  But they were just a few degrees off true as a unit.  Wings had pace to burn Wasa' looking bloody good, and little Masaga not far behind.  If these blokes could get given some regular ball, it would be lethal!  Sivivatu at fullback, lets just say he makes a good winger!!  Why the hell he didn't gun for the line when he was in a direct footrace with 'Canes fullback Jane will remain one of life's mysteries!!

No other stand outs, good or bad for the Chiefs - just an average game from an average bunch of players.  If the Chiefs want to start winning they are going to have to start getting some players into form.  Average players in good form would be a good starting spot to build from, otherwise this season is already looking like deja-vu all over again.

Hurricanes, if they can keep improving by this sort of margin the longer the season progresses, well, top four, and from there, you are just one win away from a final, and then one win away from being the best team in the SH...

And if anyone mentions Stephen Donald and All Blacks, and fantasy rugby teams again in the same breath while talking to me, lookout!!

Hurricanes 39 (M Nonu J Gopperth A Mathewson S Paku R So'oialo C Masoe tries, Gopperth 3 con T Tu'ipulotu dg).

Chiefs 19 (L Messam S Donald T Latimer tries, Donald 2 con). Ht: 26-12.