The Wallabies flyhalf jersey is not James O’Connor’s yet; the Rebels have the elements in place to challenge the best; and the spirit of rugby on show.
Here’s what we’re talking about after the Rebels’ exciting 28-22 victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin.
1. Don't count To'omua out of Wallabies contention
James O'Connor's performance for the Reds last week had plenty ready to hand him the Wallabies' flyhalf jersey on the spot but To'omua showed against the Highlanders why he's the Australian incumbent.
The Rebels missed To'omua last week when he was forced to sit out their clash against the Sharks with a groin injury but he was back to his best from the opening whistle in Dunedin.
While his highlight came early with a brilliant offload to Billy Meakes for the Rebels' opening try, he dominated proceedings in the first half, drawing defenders, kicking to space and organising his attack to perfection.
The battle for the gold no.10 is well and truly on.
2. Rebels made life hard for themselves
The Rebels played an almost perfect opening 20 minutes of football but let the Highlanders back into the game with poor discipline, a good sprinkling of errors and a late gamble that failed to pay off.
In the second half in particular, they tested the patience of referee Paul Williams, who handed the home side advantage after advantage and finally sent Billy Meakes to the sin bin for repeated infringements.
The penalty count ended at 12-7 against the Rebels - a fair reflection of the game - but it was their handling errors and turnovers conceded that almost cost them dearly.
Game management cost the Brumbies when they played the Highlanders in Canberra and it was almost an issue for the Rebels, who rejected a late attempt at goal, electing instead to kick for touch from the penalty before turning over the ball and handing the Highlanders a late chance to win.
3. Rangi shows his value to the Rebels
After being rested last week to overcome a few niggles, Rangi was in everything in Dunedin, working relentlessly in the opening half in particular as the Rebels put their stamp on the match.
He drove over for a try in the 12th minute, marshalling his forwards expertly as a Rebels maul that had already caused the Highlanders problems found its mark.
His lineout throws, scrummaging and defensive work - including a cover tackle that prevented an almost certain try - show he will keep Jordan Uelese on his toes, with the Wallabies rake no certainty to walk back into the starting side when fully fit.
4. Teams show spirit of rugby
The Rebels were on the attack again on the half-hour mark when Highlanders captain James Lentjes was left writhing on the ground in pain having suffered a badly broken leg.
Williams made the correct call to bring the game to an immediate halt, with all players realising the degree of the injury and Lentjes' level of pain.
When he was taken off on a medicab almost 10 minutes later, every Rebels player approached the flanker to wish him well before the game restarted.
5. Rebels need to take momentum forward
After finding their groove, the Rebels need to maintain their level against the Lions next week to capitalise on the win.
The South Africans will be stinging after their loss to the Waratahs and will throw everything at the Rebels, who are now in a battle to claim a place on a suddenly congested Australian ladder.
After losing halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper, there were plenty willing to bet against the Rebels but their efforts in Dunedin – where they became the first Australian side to win since the Western Force in 2014 - showed they have the elements in place to again challenge the competition's best.
