Super 14: Major upsets - but the Carter-McCaw crusade continues

Oh, what a weekend! Last year’s wooden-spoon winners, Queensland Reds, recorded a 121-point turnaround against reigning champions the Blue Bulls to win 40-8 after last season's 92-3 humiliation.

The Western Force, showing ample evidence of polish and skill, record their first win in New Zealand in their history with a remarkable second-half shut-out of the competition's most potent attacking team. And the Wellington Hurricanes, the competition's dark horses, equalled the worst defeat inflicted on the consistent Brumbies at their Canberra fortress.

The Canterbury Crusaders - the world’s premier provincial team - showed no evidence of a South African hangover with their third 50-point posting of the 2008 Super 14. After making six changes to his starting XV, they made the Cheetahs look ordinary as the Crusade romped to a 55-7 win. More to the point, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw are again looking like the world’s premier players in their positions.

While their form bodes well for All Black rugby, Robbie Deans - Canterbury’s soon-to-be Wallaby coach – is showing game plans, selection rotation and tactical nous that will be delighting the corridors of power in the ARU.