A bizarre game in the republic and points scoring records set all over the place. There was such a mixture of high skill and incompetence from the Chiefs that it is hard to assess just how well they played. Certainly the Lions defence was all over the place such that every time the Chiefs went wide, they looked like scoring a try. They scored a couple of superb tries and also accepted some gifts. Kahui could waltz through would-be tacklers yet his defence was appalling.

With Lauaki now suspended and the injuries mounting (especially to locks), there is a potential banana skin waiting for the Chiefs in Perth. Ironicaly the man the Mafia loved to hate for a few years (whenever Foster selected him over Sir Lord Glen Jackson) has been signed by the Force. Yes, David Hill is back in Super 14 and it will be interesting if he copes with the jump in class from Japanese rugby.

Keeping an eye on the Bay players and their performances, here is my assessment from the Lions game. 

Retallick. Very good, seems to work very hard and attends most rucks. Wins his lineout ball. Chiefs scrum under pressure so maybe a part of his game to work on.

Braid. Not really the game for him as he was playing tight to let Lauaki (& Messam) roam and there was no tightness in the game. Didn't notice him do anything wrong or particularly good but he always seemed to be where he should be.

Poluleuligaga. Pretty solid game, he's a solid man. Sweet pass.

Delany. Not a full-back. A couple of nice jinking runs but always seemed to lose the ball in contact. I predict pine-riding for him when Mils is back, barring injuries. For all Donald's faults, if the Chiefs keep playing the wide attacking game, it suits his style more than Delany's.

Latimer. Not on for long.

Googs is flying home, Masaga is flying out to Perth. Clarke injured so Retallick is now the main lock. Lauaki suspended for 2 so Bourke should return. (emphasise "should", this is Foster remember). Team for the Force is announced Thursday evening NZ time.