The Queensland Reds got a much-needed confidence boost with a 40-28 win over Moana Pasifika in Apia.
Disregard Moana's 0-7 record, it was always going to be a tough ask to win in Samoa, with their Wallaby contingency stepping up.
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It spoiled the homecoming but Brad Thorn and his side won't care, entering the bye with momentum.
So what did we learn?
1. SULI STATEMENT
Suliasi Vunivlau will head to this week’s Wallabies training camp with plenty of confidence.
He was deadly in the first half, having a hand in their first four tries.
Whether it was running a great line to set up Fraser McReight, breaking past defenders or taking intercepts, the league convert worked hard to get himself into the contest.
The aerial expertise were on full display to disrupt Moana Pasifika after their second try, allowing Harry Wilson to crash over minutes later.
The top-line speed remains a concern. He seemed hesitant to properly stride out when he took the intercept and on a couple of Pasifika breakaways. But all in all, a positive outing for the winger as he returns to the Reds line-up
2. ENERGIZER BUNNIES
Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight sparked the Reds when they needed a lift the most.
McDermott kept the attack flowing as they ran away Moana Pasifika as he snipped down the short side coupled with some timely offloads
The scrumhalves' cover defence defies his stature, always leading the chase in defence.
As for McReight, he remains one of the best in Super Rugby over the ball and came up with two key pilfers in the first half.
It was a typical attacking performance from the flanker, popping up whenever the Reds made a fast break and was rewarded with the opener
3. WORLD CUP BOLTER - BUT FOR WHO?
Levi Aumua’s stocks continue to rise as he emerges as one of the most exciting midfielders in Super Rugby Pacific
Aumua has an innate ability to beat the first defender and caused the Reds plenty of headaches until the end.
He twice had a hand in tries that were eventually brought back for forward passes to go with eight tackle busts.
It's no doubt the 28-year-old can be a major threat on the International stage but for who? Aumua is eligible for the All Blacks, Samoa and Fiji, who will all be desperate for his services.
4. UNSUNG HEROES
The Reds front row stood up to the occasion in a tough encounter, led by Matt Faessler.
He flies under the radar but the hooker has picked up from his Australia A call-up and delivered a quality performance.
He broke multiple tacklers and found his way over the line in the 24th minute, backed up in the second half via their powerful rolling maul
Sef Fa’agase also stood up with some crucial carries to set up Harry Wilson’s try to go with a solid scrummaging performance alongside Zane Nonggorr that earned several penalties across the night.
5. SAMOA STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION
The decision to take a Moana Pasifika clash to Samoa is a positive move, with the locals getting around the game even if it didn’t show on the broadcast side of the ground.
They went crazy when Miracle Faiilagi went over the line in the first 15 minutes and tried to will their side back into the contest late.
It gives the comp a real point of difference coupled with the success of the Fijian Drua in Fiji.
However, questions must be asked about the timing, Friday 2 pm is a nightmare broadcast time (in Australia). It seems built for that 2:30 Saturday slot and they missed a trick not having it on the weekend and shifting Chiefs-Hurricanes to Friday, adding further weight to the top-of-the-clash
