Unless I missed something, the final score in SJ v TAS was 8-5. Both teams had one unconverted try apiece, SJ had a penalty goal. SJ scored a run-away try in the first half, with the score 5-0 at half time. Then in the second half TAS scored a try via pick and drive but failed to convert. TAS was attacking at full time; the game could have gone either way. In terms of standard, I think SJ had the better backs requiring ferocious tackling by TAS to stop SJ break-outs. TAS had the better of it in the forwards. Its big pack gave SJ all sorts of trouble. Overall, I thought that the SJ skill levels were a little higher, something that may reflect more games. Over recent years, TAS's pre-season experience has been less, with the team picking up as the season progresses.
I may be wrong, but I suspect that this game has determined the thirds premiership. That's on the basis of a feeling that that the other sides may struggle to beat either SJ or TAS.
In the seconds, TAS seconds playing a much lower level SJ team, was outclassed, unable to match SJ skill levels. It's a question of depth plus training. After the first half I thought that SJ would totally run away with the game, including a yellow carded TAS player, but the second half was much more contested. I wondered whether the TAS head was reffing.She is an international ref. She was pretty tough on both teams.