There was no round one upset for the Brumbies but the new-look side's attitude and intent was enough to reassert co-captain Sam Carter's belief they are far from a spent Super Rugby force.
They went to Christchurch as rank outsiders and were gallant in a 17-13 defeat to the Crusaders on Saturday night.
While some pre-season predictions for the Brumbies had been grim, there were positive signs from a number of new faces.
"The most pleasing thing out of the game was the attitude from all the boys especially the blokes that haven't played for the Brumbies before," Carter told AAP.
Former Force flanker Chris Alcock impressed in his Brumbies debut as he attempts to fill the back-row vacancy left by David Pocock.
Joe Powell was lively after being thrust into the the No. 9 jersey after a potentially season-ending knee injury to Pumas halfback Tomas Cubelli, while Wharenui Hawera had a mixed Super Rugby debut at flyhalf.
With Wallabies prop Scott Sio not recovering from a hamstring injury in time to play, his replacement Nic Mayhew's game was highlighted by stealing the ball brilliantly with the Crusaders trying to drive across the line.
"That's something the Brumbies pride themselves on, having blokes come down with something to prove," Carter said.
"Obviously we had a lot of new faces out there tonight and they all wanted to put their hand up and prove something."
After the loss is reviewed and analysed on Sunday and Monday, the Brumbies attention will turn to the Sharks who they face in their first home fixture on Saturday night at GIO Stadium.
"The Sharks are always a physical team, I think all the South Africans are," Carter said.
"They pride themselves on their set piece and they'll be putting a lot kicks up."
"That's something we're going to have to counter this week and work on taking to the game next week."
