Despite the lack of points to the Bay in the second half, the Mafia were sitting in a stunned sense of shock and awe, the initial delirious rioting of happy fans turning into permanent grins and several texts to a couple of people who predicted we’d lose… There were some commanding performances in the backs, with Grant McQuoid playing some of the best rugby I’ve seen him play, Bunting was strong at center and Glen Jackson as usual ran the show in style. The Mafia just wishes Jackson would put his kicks from penalties into touch a little more often.

The forwards worked hard all game and were a level above their performance against Wellington, although not having injury enforced changes seemed to help matters this week. Dare we say it, but it looks like the Bay cannot possibly relegated in 2003, and we even have an outside chance of making the semi-finals! There have only been two sour notes in the last two weeks. The first was the performance of Ngarimu Simpkins vs. Wellington. Not only was he rightfully suspended for a week for an silly strike at Jason Spice, but his play and lineout throwing was pretty awful. While Jason Spice is one of the more annoyingly yappy players on the Mafia “silence” list, there’s no need to try to take his head off… well… no need to try so blatantly!

The second was the performance of Ray MacDonald at first five vs. Northland in the last five minutes once Jacko was subbed. The Mafia admit to knowing very little about MacDonald and accept that it was only 5 minutes at the end of a game... the final verdict on him after a few snide comments was that we hope he does better this week! Though the main Mafia hope and subject of continual prayers this week is for injury free careers for Aleki Lutui and Glen Jackson!

A special mention this week must go out to HoriBOP & HonkiBOP – has any team ever had a better duo for mascots? While the Mafia hope to control their pie consumption, if only we too could be as cool as HoriBOP. However as one observer noted… with the amount of leaping, shouting and nervous energy the Mafia builds up during a game there’d be a strong chance if were allowed sideline that we’d get carried away and try to join the game from time to time…

So now we go into Round 7 only five points adrift of 1st place – a place so unusually high on the table we’re in danger of getting vertigo. Auckland will be very tough, even at Fortress Baypark, but either way the lads should get some competition points out of the game, and with Orene Aieeeeeeeee goal kicking for Auckland in his current form we’re in with a bloody good chance.

Roll on Saturday!