Just got back from being up at New Plymouth for game, and my thoughts.
First half Chiefs looked like they were going to split Reds open at any stage, but combination of Reds tackling , and more Chiefs forgetting to treasure the ball, they didn't do an awful lot. Up until halftime, Reds genuinely looked to be struggling, some daft passes, and positioning looked a little lost.
Then second half and showed why we all like sport (and I was cheering for Chiefs), Chiefs started to look a little better , hell they were picking off Reds lineout at will, but Reds showed what happens to a team who are underdog and they get a sniff, they tackled everything that moved and seemd to pile into everything with a real purpose, and deserved win I thought.
Other thing that came to mind, is how much better games are live than TV , you can actually feel momentum shifts I think, the first try of Chiefs was a joy to behold of everyone in movement etc, was watching replay on big screen, didn't look anywhere near as good as it was. Also a little surprised how much speed JOC (James O'Connor) sees to of lost, Selby-Rickett cut him down when JOC (James O'Connor) had what looked 8-10 start.
All in all , and really just a reminder to everyone, that this comp isn't as one sided as negative nellies claim, and anyone can beat anyone which was a complaint about it. Also winning rugby games is about attitude and desire sometimes as much as anything.