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A little comparison: Higgers 15 runs for 45m; 4 tackles, 2 missed tackles McCalman 14 runs for 39m; 11 tackles, 1 missed tackle 4 tackles seems a little light for #8, no? From SMH stats, Scrum.com had significantly different stats (gave Higgers only 24m on 14 runs)

The Rebs were definitely strong and out-enthused the Force (I think everyone following the Force knew it was going to take a pretty special effort to overcome the injuries and fatigue). However, I don't completely agree about the ref - leading up to Higgers try, he missed a clear knock-on by...

I'm sure you'll be covering it, but I would love to hear his take on WA's level of allocation/funding, and how the ARU justified it.

Skelton was a beast for 40-50 minutes. Why the Force backs insisted on trying to tackle him around the shoulders when he broke through the line, I'll never know. God knows, I wouldn't want to get one of those massive legs across the side of my head, but there's NO chance of tackling him up high.

I have to say, the Tahs fans have been pretty gracious. Good on you guys. Better than the Reds' fans;). I'm trying not to get too overconfident, as I know it could go pear-shaped in a moment.

Definitely, the injury toll was worrying. Since we lost MMM and Alcock, I've been concerned about the depth of the back row, especially considering how hard they've been going at it week in and week out. How many games in a row can Hodgo go at it like that for a full 80? (hope I'm proven wrong...

Sounds like his school has a communication problem, rather than "rugby having a long way to go in Perth".

Definitely - but in the first match, the problem seemed to lie in the execution, rather than the tactic. Deeper kicks for territory - that is much riskier. If they don't find touch they provide plenty of time and space for Izzy, Beale, and whomever else drops back to attack. The payoff is...

Good point. However, if they kick contestable kicks, it may not be a bad option. Kicks that give Izzy time and space to counter are a death sentence for the opposition. However, contestable kicks - even if he wins them - will likely take him out of the subsequent attack for a phase or two...

So, because I have an US Eagles avatar, you assume that I'm new to the game? Nice. I'm quite aware of the Reds history, thanks. And I stand by what I said.

Agreed. He was looking up at the ball, fair enough. That's why it wasn't a yellow. But "going for the ball" would be a stretch - unless of course, he has the shortest vertical leap of any player in Super Rugby. Looking up at the ball does not constitute going for the ball. It was clumsy, but...

I believe either Marto or Sharpie said that he had a "cork in his buttocks," which is more of a worry than a corked butt.

Definitely - Taps was their most dangerous attacker, IMHO. And I have never rated Robinson, but he was massive in tackle count and wreaking havoc at the breakdown.

Agreed on all counts - in the 2nd half, they were often taking the ball standing still, which is still an issue, but they were holding onto it, and kept possession until they forced a penalty. And Brache was solid. Didn't ever get the ball with time or space so he didn't look flashy, but got...

Great game - everything we imagined it would be. I was certain the Force were going to give a way a penalty if the Reds went another 2-3 phases. The Force are a team of no-names who have some massive belief. Hottest team in Super Rugby at the moment. Don't know if it will last, but...

Perhaps you should do a little homework and check out the guys who have been toiling away for several years in Perth (aka Hodgo, Wykes), and the WA boys who are coming through the ranks. "Buy a championship by poaching other teams star players", indeed. Please explain who the "star players"...

Not sure where this "The Reds are a champion team" nonsense is coming from. If they are, they're sure doing a great job of concealing it - barely getting over perhaps the worst team in the comp - at home - and getting outscored 2 tries to 1. I wouldn't call that a "champion team" performance...

Heh... Maybe that's why Shipperly cried off?

When the Force have the ball, I'll take the Cummins/Davies matchup every day of the year. You recall the Wallabies/Samoa match, right? When the Reds have the ball, I'm a bit more concerned, as the Badger hasn't been that flash on defense.

So it looks like Stander is cover for the entire back row?!