That Brendan Cannon punch on Kevin Mealamu

Hookers are generally loved or hated characters on the rugby field. There aren't many international number two's that go unnoticed for whatever reason. Perhaps it's the fact that they're squashed between two smelly gorilla's and have five massive guys pushing them from behind.

It's a high pressure position, and in the game between the Wallabies and the All Blacks in the classic 2004 Tri Nations series, the two front rowers exploded.

Brendan Cannon was the main culprit, unleashing a devastating right cross that cracked opposite number Kevin Mealamu square in the nose.

In all honesty from the video it's hard to see exactly what triggered the outlash, except that Mealamu 'pushed' Cannon on the side of the head with his closed fist. Hardly worth retaliating like he did.

What followed was an attack that saw the likes of Carlos Spencer and Justin Marshall throwing wild punches at Cannon, and more than likely hitting their own player most of the time. Both players were lucky to get away with no further punishment.

Big Justin Harrison tried to dish out his own form of justice too, but idiotic touch judge Shaun Veldsman got in the middle of it and stopped it, possibly risking his own safety by trying to hold back the pumped up players - something that in my opinion officials should never try do.

Wallaby Brendan Cannon received a two week suspension for his punch. The All Blacks were penalised for retaliation though and both hookers were yellow carded.

So, were the other players lucky to get away with their actions, or should they have been forgiven for losing their cool, as they were?

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Toulon vs Beziers - the gloves are off

Toulon and Beziers have somewhat of a history of mass brawls. In last years encounter there was a huge free-for-all that travelled half way down the pitch.

This year, they kept with tradition, and after a dirty tackle on the air born youngster Marc Andreu it all went pear shaped. After watching the World Cup recently, we're not used to seeing punchups like this, as on the internationl stage players are severely reprimanded and normally cited. But, this is the French Second Division, and from the looks of it, anything goes.

Toulon has been in the limelight frequently lately, mainly for the fact that they're receiving an influx of top players from all over the world, with the goal in mind to make it back up to the French Top 14. I'm sure with the legendary Tana Umaga in charge they'll be in good hands. Doesn't hurt that they also have former All Black fylhalf Andrew Merhtens (note how he almost gets pulled into this fight!), former Wallaby scrumhalf George Gregan, and current Spingbok lock Victor Matfield, just to name a few.

We'll keep an eye on things and see if Toulon produce the kind of rugby that will take them to where their wealthy owner Mourad Boudjellal wants to see them.

Final Score: 41-7 to Toulon

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Brian O'Driscoll punched vs Bayonne

This is the punch that nearly dashed Ireland's hopes of inspirational leader Brian O'Driscoll taking them to the World Cup.

A cheap shot from Kiwi lock Mikaera Tewhata, in a World Cup warmup match against the French side Bayonne, caused a fractured sinus and lacerations to O'Driscoll's face.

BOD will be out for 4 weeks, missing the first group game of the World Cup. The injury is not as bad as initially feared though, with O'Driscoll not requiring surgery.

The game was not televised, but as with all Brian O'Driscoll controversial incidents, amateur footage appears miraculously, and this time from the Bayonne video analyst of all people.

A little birdy tells me that the word on the street is that the French side were eye gouging in the mauls and when BOD ran in to help it's because the Irish hooker was getting a working over, before eventually dropping to the floor.

The culprit of the suckerpunch has been banned for two matches, and since apologised for his actions, saying it's not in his nature and would like to apologise to O'Driscoll face to face.

The final score in this ill tempered match was 42-6 to Ireland, with 5 yellow cards being issued.

Ireland are wearing blue as it's not an official test.

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