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I dunno about warm favourites, seems pretty close to a 50-50 to me.
The bookies may have Blues as favourites but so early in the season I wouldn't read too much into that (see the odds for Crusaders vs Waratahs).
'Robbed' when Reds won the penalty count 14-10 and Reds had a 20 minute one man advantage and couldn't make it count is an interesting take even for you
Excellent game of rugby.
Reds should have put that away with a man advantage for 20 minutes but early in the season they'll continue to learn.
Flook was outstanding for the Reds I thought
They don't commentate the actual games. They are on a panel pre-mid-post match.
I actually found SBW good during the World Cup coverage cos he was on pre and post match.
Commentating during a game is a different skill.
Well done Tahs. Well deserved win. They just kept turning up for 80 minutes. Great reward.
Crusaders seriously lack quality. Kemara never impresses and Havili ain't a 12.
Great for the comp.
Blues loosies were impressive. Zarn class at fullback again - his game screams test rugby. Conversely I don't think Perofeta is a test 10 but I enjoy watching him at 10 for the Blues - much better than Beauden of recent seasons.
Highlanders are much improved when you consider last season they...
Really enjoyable game to watch considering the weather and first round.
Well done to the Reds on getting Les Kiss. Just what the Reds needed to take the next step forward. They looked calmer and with more of a plan than under Thorn.
Good news for the comp and for Aus rugby.
Tahs problems look...
Really pleasing first up performance under Vern Cotter for the Blues.
Just one game of course but two terms that come to mind would be hard working and organised.
Clarke looked much better at his dropped weight - conversely Sam Darry looks physically much more robust meanwhile Zarn Sullivan...
I don't think Suafoa has played much lock at all during preseason - forced to a bit perhaps in the last preseason game vs Chiefs.
Suafoa should get some opportunities in the loose forward mix I think. He really impressed at 6 for the Maori ABs when they beat Ireland in NZ a couple of years back...