The top two teams in Super 14, the Crusaders and Sharks, have established a small lead over the chasing pack, but there’s a real log jam developing with the Blues, Chiefs, Force, Waratahs and Hurricanes separated by just three points as they battle for two semi final spots. The clash between the Force and Waratahs could well decide those teams’ fates, while the others will need points just to stay in touch.

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Round 8 of the Super 14 has the Highlanders and Cheetahs with their best chance of racking up their first wins of the season, while the Sharks look to keep their unbeaten record intact in Wellington. But it is those teams in the middle of the table like the Brumbies and Chiefs who need the points the most if they are to keep in touch with the leaders.

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With Adam Gilchrist now in retirement, the title of world’s best wicketkeeper-batsman is up for grabs. MS Dhoni of India, Mark Boucher of South Africa and Kumar Sangakarra of Sri Lanka are all worthy contenders to the crown, but for me the answer is: Brendon McCullum.

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The old “game of two halves” cliché certainly applied on Friday night as the Crusaders beat the Waratahs 34-7 at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

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Round six of the Super 14 see several teams fighting for their lives, others looking to get their seasons back on track and everyone chasing the unbeaten Crusaders and Sharks.

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Round five of the Super 14 has just 12 teams in action but still promises some great match ups. While there are likely to be a couple of blow out results, the clash between the Blues and Force will have even neutral fans on the edge of their seats.

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After just four weeks of the experimental laws, the Super 14 is showing that they produce a faster and more action packed game. But the Northern Hemisphere seem reluctant to adopt them, perhaps stuck in a style of rugby from 30 years ago.

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The Sharks and Crusaders kept their unbeaten records intact and the spectre of foul play raised its ugly head as this weekends Super 14 fixtures came to a close.

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A top of the table clash and a fierce local derby match are the highlights as Week 4 of the Super 14 rolls into town. There is also a massive log jam in the middle of the table, making every point vital in the race to be the 2008 champion.

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The New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions have announced that there will be a fourth test in this year’s Bledisloe Cup series to be played in Hong Kong on November 1. International rugby may be crying out for a number of things, but another trans-Tasman clash certainly isn’t one of them.

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