Stuart watched high-flying Bristol come a cropper against Gloucester.
Romance took a back seat last weekend as the reality of Premiership power flexed its considerable muscle. Nowhere more so than at Bristol where Gloucester took their 100 per cent record and helped themselves to a bonus point in the process.
Turnover and counter attack were Gloucester's chief weapons with Jamie Forrester revelling on the firm surface. Elsewhere the prop forwards were having a field day and two in particular deserve mention.
On Friday night Andrew Sheridan battered London Irish in the tight and carried formidably in the loose. He appears destined for the England team sooner rather than later. Tony Windo, at 36, has probably been bypassed by Test match rugby but he has never enjoyed his club rugby more.
He scored the crucial try to beat Saracens at Sixways and was again part of a strong Worcester scrum. The West Midlands team have notched up two penalty tries from scrums and Windo already has a couple of his own. He is having a heck of a time.
This is fascinating because in his younger days, Windo was always a good player but never the destroyer he has become today. Either John Brain is doing a miraculous job at Worcester, or the scrum remains less a force in the Premiership than many would have us believe.
I do not want to denigrate Brain or Windo, both of whom are doing outstanding jobs, but you have to wonder. Julian White is regarded as the most fearsome of English technicians in the tight yet New Zealand forwards were not troubled and he and his Leicester colleagues, including Graham Rowntree, always have a torrid time when they face French opposition; men who unquestionably regard the scrum as something sacred.
Sale, marshalled by Phillipe Saint-Andre, are picking up the quality of their tight game while Worcester, guided by a former Gloucester lock, are remaining true to old Kingsholm traditions. In the process they are picking their way up the table. Some may find their style boring but the set piece is a vital part of the game and executed well is a thing to behold. Let us hope that Worcester are leading a scrum renaissance for the sake of the game's variety.
Now to this week's questions...
ROBBO'S RAGE
Stuart, So, Andy Robinson is the RFU's man to defend the World Cup. Based on what? England's rugby last year was tired and tactically terrible, but I wouldn't mind betting we'll see forwards and backs getting in each others' way again this season, with an out-of-form Jason Robinson hitting rucks and Steve Thompson still missing cows' backsides with an extra-large banjo. It's been obvious to all since the 2004 6 Nations that the England team needs better skills, better tactics, and maybe some fresher faces than Will Greenwood and Matt Dawson to win again. But not apparently obvious to the RFU. What's your view of Robbo as England coach, good bloke though he may be? Jon Jones.FAST-TRACKING THE SPEEDSTER
Pat Howard says Tom Varndell is ready to play for England. I can't help but think it is a little premature. His try-scoring record is outstanding, sure, but does he not need to bed down in the Leicester side and prove himself as a consistent performer? Recently his tries have come from interceptions and finishing off good moves. Whilst that is one of the major roles of a winger, I'm not sure he brings a lot else to the party, other than pace. On Saturday David Bory looked much more an international player than Varndell, who still looks a little green. Definitely one for the future, but give him some time rather than throwing him against the All Blacks. What do you think Stuart? Norman Adams, Leicester.
STUART SAYS: Norman, I would not write off the thoughts of an old shrewdie like Pat. In England we tend to be conservative and take our time but Australia chucked the likes of Joe Roff and Matt Giteau into Test rugby as teenagers and they have done fairly well as a result. Against that, he is vying with Mark Cueto, Josh Lewsey and Jason Robinson for a Test berth. Right now I think he is a shade short of the class to oust them but I would make sure he is drafted quickly into the Elite squad with a possible mind to a game against Samoa in November if he maintains his form and potential.
VAN THE MAN
I enjoyed Will Greenwood's piece on Mark van Gisbergen last week on the Rugby Club. Whilst all of us at Wasps know he is good enough to play for England this year, how do you see him fitting in to the current back three? Greg, Marlow.
STUART SAYS: Greg, If you are a Sunday Times reader (sorry about the plug), you will know my thoughts. I reckon he should be full back and goal kicker, allowing Charlie Hodgson to run the attack without the burden of kicking stress. The Sale man is an outstanding points maker who may improve with a phlegmatic points scorer to ease the pressure.
THE CENTRAL LINE
Stuart, What's your take on the RFU trying to get central contracts in place? I think they are about 10 years too late. The idea itself is a good one, as proved by the likes of New Zealand and Australia, and also our cricket team. The problem as I see it is that the clubs won't go for it, maybe with some large financial compensation but I doubt it. I think the better solution would be to stop the league during international windows; this would help teams who lose a large section of their first team, and thereby maybe see some good will come back from the clubs about time off etc. Matt Davies, Epsom.