Round four looms with the Hurricanes on the charge and most teams having an anxious time on the medical front. Here's a midweek rundown of how the teams are shaping for another huge weekend.

HURRICANES

In the news: Support wanes in the capital as it is revealed season tickets have dropped to 9264 and average crowds fallen dramatically.

Physio's table: Cory Jane (hip flexor), Neemia Tialata (hamstring).

The good: First-five Jimmy Gopperth has regained his mojo and is playing what's in front of him. Ma'a Nonu is changing angles from depth and varying where he attacks. Opposition defences will start double teaming Nonu from here on and that will create holes for others.

The bad: The Hurricanes' style is too high risk to bring them the title. Off- loading in every tackle is great when it comes off, but the percentages are low, and against organised defences it will fail. The Canes also remain too confrontational with the ball, which as we are told from a young age, actually is faster than the man.

BLUES

In the news: Joe Rokocoko bags a hat- trick in the latest romp against the Cheetahs.

Physio's table: Isa Nacewa (knee).

The good: The Blues pack are brutes, full stop, but it's the backs that are a joy to watch. They run from depth, pass the ball in front of each other and use their hands (Nick Evans take a bow) to put players in space. Memo to the Hurricanes: Wings score tries when the ball is passed through multiple sets of hands.

The bad: Isaia Toeava is set to be moved to fullback. David Nucifora officially joins the 'Rugby World Cup move your centre to fullback society'.

CRUSADERS

In the news: Wing Sean Maitland scores on debut after getting a late start against the Stormers when Kade Poki pulls a hamstring in the warmup.

Physio's table: Casey Laulala (hamstring), Poki (hamstring), Ali Williams (dislocated finger)

The good: Dan Carter and Stephen Brett are two rare players who seem to have extra time once they get the ball. With an extra five metres under the new rules they are having tea and scones before deciding whether to run, kick or pass their way through the opposition defences. Have to admit to doubts about Brad Thorn's return to rugby, but I stand corrected.

The bad: The Blues have one more bonus point than the Crusaders, who are galled at being second on the points ladder. Temperatures in Perth this week soar past 34 degrees.

CHIEFS

In the news: Former assistant coach Warren Gatland sends an inspirational pre-game fax to his former charges telling them that nothing New Zealanders think matters. It works a treat as they lose 39-19 to the Hurricanes.

The physio's's table: Jono Gibbes (hamstring, six weeks); Richard Kahui (ankle), Jamie Nutbrown (knee, one month), Brendon Leonard (bruised thigh).

The good: The Chiefs have the talent to turn their wretched start around and loosie Sione Lauaki's form is on the improve.

The bad: In golfing parlance first-five Stephen Donald is in the sort of form Ian Baker-Finch became famous for and the Chiefs inside channel defence is non existent, just like their game plan. And now they have lost skipper Gibbes.

HIGHLANDERS

In the news: Fullback James Wilson misses a late long range penalty in the 15-12 loss to the Waratahs.

Physio's table: Lucky Mulipola (broken arm, back training).

The good: The Highlanders haven't won a game, but they have won respect. The front row continues to step up and flanker Adam Thomson is on fire.

The bad: Respect is worth only three competition points and cannot hide the Highlanders' lack of experience in key positions. It is also possible they are under a hex considering the nature of their first three losses.

SOUTH AFRICA WATCH

The Bull Ring is not a happy place right now. Centre JP Nel (spear tackle) and prop Jaco Engels (punch) are suspended for one match, while lock Bakkies Botha is still sidelined and wishing he was in France at Toulon. Botha is said to be miffed at the Sharks' recruitment of Frenchman Frederic Michalak, who is the only first-five in South Africa to have grasped rugby's new rules.

Pick of the bunch: The Cheetahs, Stormers and Bulls are all improving, but the Sharks are far more convincing with a strong pack and a first-five who is keen to unleash his backs.

AUSTRALIA WATCH

In the news: Scans revealed Brumbies back Julian Huxley has a malignant brain tumour after he is concussed against the Reds. Reds wing Digby Ioane pleads guilty and is suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle. After hailing Kurtley Beale as the answer to their first-five conundrum, the Waratahs shifted him back to fullback when Lachie Turner is injured. Oh to be a Sydney rugby fan. Force captain Nathan Sharpe re-signs for three years honouring his pact with coach and fellow baldy John Mitchell.

Pick of the bunch: Dubbed the "Baby Brumbies" by the Aussie media, the team formerly known as ACT has disproved the popular perception that there is no depth across the Tasman. First-five Christian Lealiifano and centres Tyrone Smith and Leo Afeaki aren't Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock, but they aren't half bad.

The Dominion Post