1. Ill Super Rugby needs more than cosmetic surgery
Another weekend, another flogging for an Australian team.
We all know this competition in its current format is on death's door but the great fear is that SANZAAR is such a political beast and ruled by compromise that its executives can convince themselves that cosmetic surgery can rescue the patient rather than more drastic intervention.
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No, a nip and tuck here to the format will not do when it's clear that a limb or two has turned gangrenous.
After watching the Australian sides this weekend, if you can look me in the eye and tell me that five teams are merited I will recommend a career in Canberra. When the SANZAAR big wigs meet up north this week, the ARU should be demanding that it's time to get serious about restoring the competition's integrity by reducing the number of teams. Fan engagement in Australia and South Africa is down. Healthy broadcast deals will not exist in perpetuity if competition is flawed.
And boy is it flawed.
2. Rohan Janse van Rensburg dishes out a lesson to NSW midfieldÂ
The Waratahs' heavy loss was in part indebted to a decision, or non-decision, early in the second half not to yellow card Elton Jantjes despite an early, high tackle on Reece Robinson as he tried to score a try. It was a confusing call, to say the least, and five minutes later Jantjes was knocking over a drop goal to take the lead to 36-24.
But in many areas of the game the Waratahs were simply dominated, particularly at the lineout and the power running of Rohan Janse van Rensberg in midfield. Israel Folau has barely been involved in the past two weeks and when he has carried his impact has been moderate.
Not so the Springboks midfielder, who tore the Waratahs apart with his running and offloading. He will surely be the Boks No.12 this year.
![Best of the bunch: The Brumbies' fight was admirable against the Sharks.](/web/20170307180700im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/q/w/t/c/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.guqwgo.png/1488721150456.jpg)
3. Rebels fly the white flag again
There is a relentless nature about the Hurricanes that has not always been evident, but by the second half it was clear that the Rebels' resistance was limited to just a few players whose pride was keeping them going.
It is hard to believe, but without Lopeti Timani and Amanaki Mafi the scoreline could have been even worse.
I'm not sure the Rebels can actually do much until the cavalry arrives, because the depth is limited. We are now seeing the cost of losses such as Luke Jones, the workaholic who is now playing in France. Players like Jones never get the attention of the headline acts or league recruits but they are the fabric of the game.  Â
![And another: The Melbourne Rebels watch on as the Hurricanes score another try in the rout.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170307180700im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/q/w/t/s/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1488665145521.png)
And another: The Melbourne Rebels watch on as the Hurricanes score another try in the rout. Photo: Mark Tantrum
4. Reds got what they deservedÂ
It must cut Nick Stiles deep to watch a Queensland team beaten by another side and know there was only one team playing for something greater than themselves. But that is what happened against the Force in Perth.
The first try was embarrassing. The Force actually passed the ball three times behind the advantage line before it went to Chance Peni, and yet not one tackle was made. The winger showed some real pace but he probably faces better defence in training.
The two elephants in the room for the Reds are Stephen Moore and Quade Cooper. Perhaps they are underdone after the Wallabies' campaign but they have not turned up yet.
Moore's set-piece work and contribution around the field is average and Cooper is making too many mistakes. By contrast Dane Haylett-Petty just grows and grows – he stepped up in helping to direct the team after Jono Lance was forced off.Â
![Slow start: Stephen Moore and Quade Cooper have been disappointing in the first two rounds.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170307180700im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/l/f/3/j/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1488060467225.png)
Slow start: Stephen Moore and Quade Cooper have been disappointing in the first two rounds. Photo: Bradley Kanaris
5. Sharks deserved the win
It may be treasonous but the Sharks' win against the Brumbies was enjoyable. If we are serious about wanting a better competition South Africa has to be strong and the Sharks are one of the teams that must reflect that strength.
The visitors showed serious appetite at the breakdown and a willingness to use the width of the field, right until the end when they scored the match-winning try.
Pat Lambie is a classy operator at No.10 and Tendai "Beast"Â Mtawarira shows real passion for the jersey, because he must have turned down countless overseas offers. Again, the Brumbies' commitment was pleasing but they do lack the point of difference that David Pocock gives them, as well as the obvious losses of Matt Toomua and Christian Lealiifano.
Nothing is going to come easy for them this year but they are showing a real willingness for the fight.
1. Pek Cowan (Force)
2. Tolu Latu (Waratahs)
3. Tetera Faulkner (Force)
4. Lopeti Timani (Rebels)
5. Sam Carter (Brumbies)
6. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
7. Kane Koteka (Force)
8. Amanaki Mafi (Rebels)
9. Ryan Louwrens (Force)
10. Jono Lance (Force)
11. Eto Nabuli (Reds)
12. Bill Meakes (Force)
13. Samu Kerevi (Reds)
14. Chance Peni (Force)
15. Dane Haylett-Petty (Force)
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