From a Tahs fan, there was a fair bit to like about that (and yes, I agree it was a rubbish game).
They are certainly trying to play that fast, expansive game with aggression at the breakdown and in defence that worked so well last year, and broadly it worked, let down of course by the awful handling. The defence was 100% better than the last two games, which conceded eight tries, and was getting back to where it was last year. The scrum seems to be improving, and clearly got the ascendency on the Reds. As many here have said, they could have put on 50 but for the woeful handing, but they created the opportunities to do so, which is positive.
Individually, both props had fine games, both in the scrum and around the paddock, and I thought Palu was good. Phipps is getting better, although still not back to last year's form, and both Foley and Beale were very good. Carraro mad the most of his opportunity, and Betham looked excellent with the ball so long as someone tells him never to kick again!
On the negative side, way, way too much ball dropped, both in contact and on the run. I think Potgeiter coughed it up at least four times, Folau three times, and TPN, Skelton, Phipps and others were also guilty. Another thing that Cheika needs to address is the dumb penalties, of which there were way too many (particularly among the bench players). The Reds were gifted the position for the try following stupidity, first by Nayarovaro (okay, I have no idea how to spell it) and then Ryan putting their brains in neutral and giving away two penalties in a row. Both these issues, the handing and the penalties, are about remaining mentally switched on for the eighty minutes, and that's what now needs addressing.
As to the Reds, they were just awful. I thought Thompson was the only person in a red jumper who looked the goods on the night. The front row got smashed, Gill tried hard but with little effect, Genia is still not back to form, Frisby has no idea of 10 and it is really unfair trying to have him learn it at this level, the centres were ineffectual and JOC (James O'Connor) just couldn't get into the game. The loss of key players is really hurting them, and particular Cooper, who they desparately need as they have no plan B at 10.
Finally, I really hope Lachey Turner is okay. Great guy and good player who has been belted by injury (the Ben Tune syndrome), lets hope all is well and he's back soon.