We could be seeing history this Sunday...

[Egan]

I have been reliably informed that if the weather is particularly hot next Sunday, we could see the first ever Super 14 game, have quarter times, due to the Heat Index. Which has been used at A-League and Australian Open games.

Would be one of the first times to have ever happened in Rugby. Current forecast is 34c

[GIGS20]

I know it was considered for a really hot day last year, was it implemented? I don't remember too clearly. Definately the Samoa trial last year was in quarters!

[Egan]

I know it was considered for a really hot day last year, was it implemented? I don't remember too clearly. Definately the Samoa trial last year was in quarters!

Apparently they used an adapted version, eg longer half times and water bottles run onto the pitch. Never been done before in actual Super 14 competition.

[brokendown gunfighter]

conversely do they bring out hot water bottles on a chilly Christchurch evening?

[slomo]

the history i hope to see this sunday, is a big force win against the undefeated crusaders!!!....

[GIGS20]

I'll take any win against the 'Saders.......Four tries mightn't hurt though!

BTW I think we've got the stones to do it if we can hold onto the ball!
We play a very 'Saders style of game and the only difference ATM is that their passes are sticking!

[jargan83]

the history i hope to see this sunday, is a big force win against the undefeated crusaders!!!....

Damn Straight

I just checked the Bureau of Meteorology website and the forecast is for 34 and fine, but seeing as for about 2 weeks straight through January they forecast afternoon thunderstorms and they seem to struggle predicting the weather for tomorow let alone 7 days away

[no.8]

No history. Let those Crusaders burn!!!

RIOT!! RIOT!!! RIOT!!!

[travelling_gerry]

They had breaks for the Highlanders game last year.

If I remember Mitchell wasn't too happy about it becuase it slowed our momentum and ultimately lost us the game.

I believe he wrote about it in the Line Break mag that we got with the memberships.

[gustafsl]

The first game last year against the Highlanders was something like 36 at kickoff. Don't think they had official quarter times, but they did take extra drink breaks. Also I think the referee was pretty good about it and his shoe seemed to come "untied" or "loose" on a number of occasions.

[frontrow]

Crusaders to face Force heat, SMH

When the unbeaten Crusaders arrive in Perth they will strike a wall of heat with temperatures in the Western Australian city having been in the high 30s lately, making the sunny climes in South Africa seem mild in comparison.

The priorities for the Crusaders' management will be to schedule trainings outside the hottest hours and find ways to keep players busy before next Sunday evening's match against the Western Force.

The glamour of touring quickly wears off and by the time they settle in Perth the Crusaders will have checked in and out of eight airports and stayed in five different hotels.

For sides sick of constantly being on the move, it would be easy to start thinking of home but it would be surprising if the Crusaders stumbled into that trap.

Unbeaten after three rounds, the Crusaders' 22-0 triumph over the Stormers on Saturday morning has them confident and motivated to keep the show rolling.

The win marked the first time the Crusaders have kept a South African team scoreless in the Republic and only once before, in 2002, had they left the country undefeated.

Coach Robbie Deans noted that record was a logical motivation. "Yes, without a doubt. The one thing the guys don't enjoy is a long flight just having come off a loss. For those who went through the experience with the Sharks last year (26-27 loss) that was still fresh in their minds."

In three matches the Crusaders have conceded 20 points and leaked one try.

The Experimental Law Variations was introduced to produce more tries but the Crusaders' opponents have failed to find ways to crack their lines.

Deans rated the defensive zeal in the opening 30 minutes against the Bulls in Pretoria as the highlight of that 54-19 second-round win and was just as enthusiastic about the way they smothered the Stormers, especially after repelling three attacking lineouts late in the second half.

"It was an outstanding defensive effort from our guys," Deans said. "It comes down to pride as much as anything. There were a lot of voices out there tonight. We could hear it down the wire. The guys were egging each other on."

The score could have been greater. Several chances went begging; a Corey Flynn transfer was ruled forward in-goal, Sean Maitland dropped the ball close to the line, a loose Casey Laulala pass saw a promising movement break down and Maitland was denied his second try when an assistant referee said Caleb Ralph had earlier stepped out.

For the Stormers, the defeat was a bad way to end a disrupted week; first there was the suspension of Schalk Burger and then Luke Watson withdrew because of a cold.

Yet they were competitive on the ground. It was the aimless kicking and their failure to keep the ball in hand that hurt them.

Crusaders first five-eighths Dan Carter showed again why the New Zealand Rugby Union should sign him up until the next World Cup. He set up Maitland's try with a cross kick, continually probed for gaps, was eager in defence and guided the backline around the park.

Admittedly he is getting a smooth ride behind his pack. Halfback Andy Ellis looks the pick of the New Zealand halfbacks so far this year and often found space around the fringes.

Skipper Richie McCaw continues to thrive with his running game and the scrum shaded the Stormers' pack.

The Press

[Flamethrower]

34 or 36 HTFU!! That's too cold for me to go swimming

[jazza93]

i think the force have a better chance if they play a normal game, they have been training in this heat all summer.

i think if it is to hot for them they should have a few quick drinks breaks each half.

[GIGS20]

I agree, those Cantabrians will melt like an orange icy pole in the sun!

[oxleymoron]

Its not only the players who will have to keep their fluids up.....

JBs could be in for a busy afternoon and night.