A sustained attacking effort by the Blues is interrupted when the ball squirts out of the back of a ruck, falling kindly for Quirk. Cooper hacks the ball down-field to relieve pressure but the Blues initiate the attack once more. But the knock-on eventually comes and brings an end to a highly entertaining passage of play. Ranger and Halai prominent in the attack.

Blues build their way deep into the Reds' half. They work the ball well, showing great variety in attack. The forwards crash the ball up close before the backs spread it wide to capitalise on some thin Reds defence. Willinson collects the ball near the touch-line and slips out of Lance's challenge before crossing.

Again, Reds earn a penalty off the scrum and immediately point to the posts. Cooper obliges and the scoreboard ticks over.

Reds cough up another penalty when some lazy running by Horwill obstructs the Blues' defence. The visitors opt for the uprights from out-wide and near the half way. The young Nikora steps up and converts the long range penalty to points! Blues draw level, 6-6.

The Reds earn a penalty at scrum-time when the Blue front row crashes to ground. They boot for touch and secure possession off the ensuing line-out. They start to build the phases, sweeping the ball left and then right in search of the gap. But the attack comes to nothing when Ioane gets isolated inches form the white-wash. Blues steal and clear.

Despite the scoreboard, Blues have racked up 83% of possession in the first quarter. Reds clinical in attack and disciplined in defence and have been rewarded with the lead.

Terrific attacking play by the Reds. Cooper leads the charge, dancing though the Blues' defence and tearing down-field. He links with Davies who beats two defenders before being dragged to ground. The Reds attack the openside but two phases later, the Blues concede a penalty for not rolling. Cooper returns the lead to three.

After some sustained periods of possession in the opening fifteen, the Blues are rewarded with three points. Noakes lines it up on the twenty-two and guides it over with ease.

Reds earn a scrum inside Blue territory. They pick up a penalty but opt to reset the scrum. This time the ball trickles out the back and is fed out to Tapuai who crashes into contact. Weepu fails to release the player though and gifts the Reds with a chance to take the lead. Cooper converts.

Superb start from the visitors. They maintain possession uninterrupted for over three minutes, testing the Reds defence very early on. But eventually, the Reds disrupt the flow of play with an excellent rush defence, diffusing the situation and kicking the ball out of play. Reds showing great discipline in defence.