Who's hot….and who's not!

We take a look at who has been setting the rugby world alight at the moment… and who has been left behind in the shade.

We take a look at who's been setting the rugby world alight… and who has been left behind in the shade.

Can't touch this…

Wallabies' D:
Australia are starting to make a habit of beating the Springboks in their own back yard following Saturday's hard-fought 14-9 win in Durban. Though only one try was scored (thanks to Pat McCabe), it was the Wallabies' impressive defence that really paved their way to victory. Australia's countless rib-tickling big hits kept the Springboks try-less on their own turf – the first time a Wallabies team has achieved such a feat in 11 years.

Wales and Canada:
Defence was the name of the game in Cardiff too as Wales beat England 19-9 in their return World Cup warm-up fixture, courtesy of some furious tackling. In another RWC warm-up game between neighbours, Canada deserve a pat on the back after getting the better of the USA twice in two weeks. Maple syrup all round!

Japan:
They may have lost, but Japan gave Italy a run for their money in last Saturday's World Cup warm-up at Cesena's Stadio Manuzzi. Down 14-0 early in the first half, the Brave Blossoms clawed their way back to take a three-point (14-17) lead at half-time. The visitors eventually lost 31-24, but John Kirwan's team showed they aren't to be taken lightly when rugby's biggest spectacle kicks off next month.

Robbie Deans:
Australia's most loved Kiwi Robbie Deans – or is it Russell Crowe? – followed up the Wallabies' win in Durban by re-signing with the Australian Rugby Union, which will keep the former Crusaders boss across the Tasman for another two years.

Israel Dagg:
After weeks of rehabilitating, World Cup hopeful Israel Dagg quelled any doubt about his fitness by bagging a brace of tries for Hawke's Bay in their ITM Cup win over Bay of Plenty. To celebrate, the Crusaders star jumped on a plane to South Africa and is expected to start against the Boks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Frederic Michalak:
Durban's favourite Frenchman was the star of the show against Western Province in a wet and windy Currie Cup match. France's loss is the Sharks' gain as the former international kicked all of his side's points, including three drop goals, to leave Cape Town with a 21-19 win. Oh là là!

Can I have more ice with that?

South Africa's old guard:
It seems not even the most experienced Bok team in the history of South African rugby (810 Test caps) can stop the side from sinking in quicksand as the world champions' season went from bad to worse on Saturday. Full-strength Springbok team? Check! Home advantage? Check! Still winless in 2011? Check!

Frans Steyn's weight:
It looks like Francois “monster boot” Steyn is carrying a little extra weight these days and we're not talking about on his shoulders – though that mob of hair might weigh him down a wee bit. It seems the Parisian diet has left its mark… swapping half-time oranges for croissants nowadays it seems eh Frans? Perhaps he should think about sharing some with team-mate Gio Aplon, who is a bit light around the edges.

World Cup ending injuries:
Nobody likes to see players ruled out of the World Cup before its even started. But unfortunately that's exactly what's happened to Wales hooker Matthew Rees and Australia prop Benn Robinson. PR wishes them a speedy recovery…

England's backs:
Despite dominating the majority of possesion, England's back-line lacked the creative inspiration needed to cross Wales' tryline. Even though the Welsh were a man down for 20 minutes, England were still unable to make their one-man advantage count in what manager Martin Johnson described afterwards as: “the strangest game I've seen!”

Luke McAlister:
Now you see him, now you don't. Having returned to New Zealand in a bid to play in the World Cup, McAlister has packed his suitcase once again after realising he's out of the running to make the All Blacks' squad and in the process, leaving his North Harbour team-mates in the lurch. Not cool Luke.

Wellington:
Just one ITM Cup win in their last four outings means Wellington are bottom of the Premiership standings, and at serious risk of being relegation to the ITM Cup Championship next year. With three games to remaining, will the Lions sink or swim?

Feel free to use the space below to tell us who YOU think is smokin' and who is jokin'

Compiled by Dave Morris