Brumbies don't like a fast game - very lucky not to see yellow in the first quarter with Swain taking out Pasitoa on the kick through, and then Neville just diving straight into the side of a ruck on the line. Their quality got them there in the end and the Force will be ruing a bit of laziness after scoring their final try. Set two more rucks, kick it out, put the lineout under pressure, and they might have won that. Godwin kicks it down the middle of the pitch under pressure, and they were gassed.
Force will be more competitive this year, with their halves a bit more active and some more time together. Not sure they'll trouble the Reds, but the Tahs, Rebels, and Drua are there for the taking with their physical style of play and a bit more spark behind the pack.
Brumbies scrum and lineout probably won't be that shit again. I predict a lot of work at training this week and a few quiet threats to Fainga'a regarding his throwing.
Prior: 3 chargedowns. Not helpful. IFL was also a bit of a handbrake when he came on, but finished well