Oi Desi,

Haven't had any 'EXPORT' since I left THORNIE in '84. Our Supermarkets stock every other sort of mothers-milk and some ya have to strain thru an old sock....had some SWAN a few years ago just to remind me there is a better one from WA. Now then Footie....things are getting very serious here as the All Black trials are in about 4 or 5 weeks time and the fringe players have to start firing in front of the selectors. There are a few juicy match-ups and fringe players in the BLUES-HIGHLANDERS game, too many to mention here. For the HIGHLANDERS this is the Gordon Hunter Memorial game so they won't be there to make up the numbers. The BLUES as a unit are starting to show us the form of last year and hopefully the weather man will give us a dry paddock for the BLUES by 12. If wet and a forward slug-out christ knows, thats why I'm sweating on the REDS thumping the WARATAHS. ( sorry Mr J )

CRUSADERS-HURRICANES, a country mile seperate these two.

CHIEFS-BRUMBIES, This is the game for me this week-end. The CHIEFS forward pack is probably the most physical of the S12. You would have noticed over the series the forwards are hunting as a pack and not too many of them swanning around in the back line stuffing things up and this is the reason they are getting more ball with the No.10 poking the ball into the corners. The game plan will be fairly basic starving the class that the BRUMBIES have all over the paddock which will rattle 'em a little allowing the CHIEFS ta grab their bushy tails and belt 'em up against a goal post. It appears Lowen will be back and Robinson still a little doubtful, CHIEFS by 8.

STORMERS-SHARKS, things starting to hot up in SA rugby. BOK trials and new controversial coach I think you'll see the SHARKS regain their earlier form and take this one by 10.

You know fellas, I can't wait to see this once proud rugby nation regain the form that they held for decades, then we'll see some real spice injected into the S12, Tri-nations, and Test match rugby, and they will, just like you Aussies came out of the doldrums in the early 80's.

If you are wondering, the No.8 playing for the CHIEFS, Lauaki, it's his brother playing for the WARRIORS.