The Waratahs played a solid and confident game against the Sharks in Sydney last night belting the South Africans 48 - 14 scoring 6 tries in the process. Matt Rogers had a great game at full back, Phil Waugh was everywhere, he's like a bulldog that just won't let go! Lote Tuqiri didn't score a try but he made plenty of breaks and delights the crowd every single time he touches the ball. Milton Thaiday gets right into it as well and is an exciting player who scored a try as well. Undoubtedly, the Waratahs played a far superior game in the first half, and while Ewen McKenzie will be pleased with the win there's plenty of areas that the Waratahs can work on for next week. Nice to see the boys had found razor blades prior to the game this match as well :)

In Ballymore, the Reds beat the Chiefs last night. Steve Kefu made a triumphant return from his bells palsy and the cloud that hung over him for the last couple of weeks as a result of the drug used as his treatment being on the IRB's banned list. Cleared to play by the ARU earlier this week, Kefu was back in the centres and scored a solo effort try within the first 30 seconds of the game! Shortly afterwards, he scored again, and the Reds were up 12-3.

The game wasn't all the Reds way though, and when Keith Robinson was sin-binned in the last 5 minutes of the first half the Reds were unable to capitalize on the one man advantage. Despite that, there was some good (if not exactly brilliant) solid play by the Reds - Josh Valentine played well but could have done with a few more of his buddies help! The Reds scored 5 tries though and got up 37-25 and picking up a bonus point in the process.

I overestimated the Kiwi teams over in South Africa, or maybe I underestimated the RAS teams... either way, the Stormers were far too good for the Highlanders 46-25, and the Bulls trampled the Hurricanes 40-19. The Highlanders game certainly looked all their way in the first half, going in ahead by 11 points 25-14 at half time. Obviously the Stormers copped a lecture from coach Gert Smal during the break and they came out a different team putting on 32 points in the second half while the Highlanders remained on their half time score. Congratz to the Stormers! The Bulls game was a rough and ready affair but the Bulls were never in any real danger of not winning. So much for my tipping :) The Bulls have a very handy flyhalf Derick Hougaard - he can kick!! Anton Leonard, the bulls captain, put the fourth try down for the Bulls earning them the treasured bonus point.

I'm off to update the points ladder.