The 2008 Super 14 is only two weeks old and already some teams have a mountain to climb if they are to make the semi finals, while the Crusaders, Blues and Sharks have already opened daylight between themselves and the chasing pack. Several derby matches this week add spice to an already mouth watering draw for round three.

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After two visits to AMI Stadium in a little over a week, I was absolutely staggered at the drunken, loutish behaviour on display. At exactly what point did sports and drinking to excess become linked in our “culture”?

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The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) have suspended Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic for nine months, plus a further six months probation for violent conduct after he slapped referee Mark Shields’ hand. This may seem like a strong message that touching officials will not be tolerated, but this is also same body who did not suspend Newcastle’s Joel Griffith when he struck an assistant referee.

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The Blues and Crusaders are the only side in the Super 14 with perfect records, picking up a maximum ten points from two games and sounding a warning to the rest of the tournament. Other contenders, such as the Sharks and Bulls, are still struggling to find their feet in 2008.

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The Black Caps have won their five match series against England by three games to one after a 34 run win in a rain shortened game in Christchurch on Saturday night. Wicketkeeper Brendan McCullum got New Zealand off to a flying start, and they never looked back, until the rain came.

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The second round of the Super 14 will answer the question of whether some of last weekend’s performances were one-off, or indicative of how the season will go. Teams like the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Sharks have to improve on sluggish starts to the season, while the Bulls, Blues and Crusaders will be hoping to build on the momentum they started last week.

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Super 14 ticket sales are down, crowds are down and fan interest is waning. But are marketing gimmicks really the answer?

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The 2008 edition of the Super 14 got off to a good start this weekend, despite some initial rust from some teams. The new laws also got a thumbs up from players and fans alike as games were faster, more exciting and more intense.

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The 2008 edition of the Super 14 features new rules and a host of new players. More attacking rugby, youthful exuberance and the best club rugby competition in the world, let the games begin!

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A tough opening draw and the loss of some key players might slow down some teams, but the Blues are no ordinary team. An retuned back-line, deep forward pack and a good mixture of youth and veterans means 2008 could well be their year.

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