The opening day of Brisbane Tens action is in the books, with New Zealand teams stealing the show.
The Crusaders were the form team on day one but the Chiefs and Blues both emerged with two wins to their name as well.
On the Australian front the Rebels, Waratahs and Brumbies have all notched one win, with the Reds yet to taste success.
The action resumes tomorrow at 2:08pm AEDT, with finals footy kicking off at 6pm AEDT.
Here's how all the action panned out on day one.
11:30pm - The low down
While no Australian side is undefeated through two starts, they all have a chance of playing finals football should results go their way.
Here's who they'll play and when in their final pool match.
Reds - 2:08pm AEDT - vs Wild Knights
Rebels - 2:37pm AEDT - vs Blues
Waratahs - 3:35pm AEDT - vs Chiefs
Brumbies - 4:33pm AEDT - vs Hurricanes
11:15pm - Robertson reflects
Scott Robertson's Crusaders are the team to beat at the conclusion of play and he commended his side's approach to the tournament.
"We love the Tens format," Robertson said.
"We took a young team last year and I think I said before we had five All Blacks come out of that team.
"We have a simple structure off the base of our XVs game and we just let the young guys play, front, show what they've got."
Robertson said the pre-game vibe was a "rave" in the change rooms and promised to roll out his trademark breakdancing moves should the Crusaders lift the trophy come tomorrow night.
11:00pm - Walker walks the talk
10:45pm - Pool C - Crusaders 31 Brumbies 7
The Crusaders have joined the Blues and Chiefs as the teams to beat at the end of day one, playing some champagne rugby against a willing Brumbies side in the final match of the day.
Jack Stratton, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge and Jone Macilai-Tori all crossed for Crusaders tries in the opening 10 minutes, an emphatic response to Connal McInerney's opener.
Kyle Godwin then gifted the Kiwis five more when Manasa Matele picked off an intercept and jogged over from 10 out for what would be the final try of the match.
10:33pm - Pool C - Hurricanes 12 Fiji 5
The Hurricanes have kept their finals hopes alive with a last gasp win against a desperate Fijian out.
James O'Reilly opened the scoring for the Canes before Jone Manu hit back for Fiji two minutes into the second term.
YASSSSSSSSSSS!!! 🌪💛🖤 #BrisbaneTens
— Irene Sopoaga 🇼🇸🤙🏼 (@i_sopoaga) February 9, 2018
With three to play Ben Lam extended the Canes' lead, beating two defenders en route to the line from a solid scrum.
Fiji nearly scored to level things up as the final sire sounded but Lam eradicated any hope with a textbook grass-cutter to seal the result.
10:15pm - We spoke to Curtis Rona after the Tahs' loss to the Highlanders
10:10pm - Smith, Pau left to ponder after winless day
10:02pm - Women's - Queensland 31 Brumbies 0
Queensland have bounced back from a tough beat against NSW, flogging the Brumbies to keep their finals hopes alive.
QLD ran in five tries to nil but it was show stopping try saver from Samantha Treherne that was undoubtedly the play of the match.
The Wallaroos star chased down a Brumbies player destined for the line, rolled her body underneath the ball and kept it above the line against all odds, earning a warm ovation from the Suncorp Stadium faithful.
9:45pm - Praise for Perese
The Reds face a must-win final match against the Wild Knights on Saturday after two losses on day one.
Despite going down to the Rebels and Blues, the Queensland side still has a chance of making the finals draw if they can beat out the Japanese side in Saturday's opener.
Things weren't all bad for the young Reds group on Friday, with Izaia Perese a standout for the hosts, particularly in the second game.
Coach Paul Carozza praised the young utility after the day wrapped up.
“Izzy Perese in that last game was very determined," he said.
"He made several really strong runs and showed he didn't like to be tackled, really put his hand up a bit."
9:30pm - Women's - NSW 27 Rebels 0
The New South Wales women are two from two on the opening day, easily accounting for Melbourne in their clash.
NSW were too good for QLD and their clash with the Rebels was no different, running in five tries and keeping their opponents scoreless.
9:15pm - Kiwis cruising on opening day
Liam Messam's Chiefs and George Bridge's Crusaders are in cruise control so far.
9:05pm - Pool B - Highlanders 12 Waratahs 10
The pass of the tournament from Jake Gordon - a beautiful 25 metre left to right cutout - set up Taqele Naiyaravoro for the opener.
That would be the only try of the first term, Mack Mason setting up Cam Clark with a brilliantly weighted grubber five minutes into the second half.
The Highlanders finally got their hands on some ball and having been kept scoreless for 15 minutes, Terrance Hepetema and Tevita Nabura crossed to steal victory from the Tahs at the death.
8:55pm - Hutchison makes his mark
Henry Hutchison found a way back to his Sevens days in Brisbane on Friday, playing for the Rebels in the Brisbane Tens.
Hutchison was relishing a mid point in his switch back to XVs.
"It's a bit of a stepping stone," he said.
"It's been tough transitioning back to XVs. I've loved it (the Tens), it's great, it's a happy medium between both games."
The Rebels left most of their top liners at home this weekend but Hutchison said it was a good chance for their players who had been going through the preseason slog since November, to play some games.
"It's been a long preseason we've had 6-7 weeks before Christmas and now post-Christmas," he said.
"It's been a bit of a grind. Of course we're here to win but also here to get a few young boys have an opportunity and have some fun."
8:50pm - Cornelsen embracing the environment
Japan’s Panasonic Wild Knights are a cult favourite at the Tens and they’ve become a home for a number of Aussies.
One of the lesser-known recruits is former Uni player Jack Cornelsen, who crossed during their 47-10 loss to the Blues.
Cornelsen said he was embracing a different environment, and the chance to play top level rugby.
“It is quite different because of culture but I’ve loved it,” he said.
“The culture they’ve got in the team is really good.
“There’s a lot of players with a lot of experience that are helping us young guys.”
8:35pm - Pool B - Chiefs 31 Pau 7
The Chiefs are the second team to leave day one undefeated, cruising to a win over Pau.
The defending champs crossed for three tries in the opening term before Frank Halai put Pau on the board to draw first blood after the break.
Tim Nanai-Williams had the last laugh, though, scoring the match winner under the sticks before Te Toiroa Tahurioirangi nabbed his second as the final siren rung out.
8:20pm - Spencer, Blues flying on opening day
One of the most novel parts of the Tens is the addition of team wildcards and Auckland's Carlos Spencer had plenty of eyes on him in his first Tens outing.
Spencer, who last played for the Blues in 2005, relished the chance to be back out on the field.
"I'm just happy to get through the game. Took bugger all contact, if any, hopefully it goes that way if I get another opportunity," he said.
"I've been looking forward to this for a long time and very excited to get out there with these youngsters and they're going well.
"I reckon this game would've suited me back in the day, sevens and XVs little bit of space but need that contact as well."
8:10pm - Pool A - Rebels 21 Reds 17
Mahe Vailanu has snatched victory from the Reds at the death in a thrilling battle between two Australian outfits desperate to put a win on the board.
Izaia Perese crossed for the opening try of the match, palming Rebels wildcard Adam Freier en route to the opening five pointer.
Tuipulotou then gifted the Reds a try, batting the ball infield for Nick Jooste to clean up and send Jake Strachan over for a simple try to open up a 12-0 Reds lead at the break.
A Samu Kerevi hit on Tuipulotou as he chased a grubber was then adjudged to be a penalty try, with the Reds skipper also sent to the bin.
Sam Ward then finished a brilliant team movement for Melbourne and that looked to be the winner before two bursts from Izaia Perese set up a flying Taniela Tupou, for what also looked to be the winner.
The Rebels weren't done with, though, Hunter Paisami busting the line and dishing to Vailanu for the winning try.
7:40pm - Pool A - Blues 47 Wild Knights 10
The Blues have followed their flogging of the Reds with a similar rout of the Wild Knights, going two from two and establishing themselves among the contenders for the crown on day one.
The Wild Knights managed a pair of tries but it was nothing compared to the seven try show the Blues put on for Suncorp Stadium, as they scored from all over the park in a blistering affair.
7:10pm - Pool C - Crusaders 22 Hurricanes 0
Nathan Vella and Ethan Blackadder threw an early one-two punch for the Crusaders, as they set up shop inside the Hurricanes half.
George Bridge posted another for the Crusaders seconds prior to the half time siren, giving his side a 17-0 half time lead.
They were never troubled, piecing together one of the more clinical wins of the day with surety when Vella scored his second.
7:00pm - Kuridrani, Speight speak post match
Former Reds flyer Chris Kuridrani hopes his Fiji debut on Friday is the first of many international matches.
Kuridrani, who was released by Queensland last year, debuted for the Fiji side at the Brisbane Tens, bagging a long-range try along the way.
"It was a bit different coming out on Suncorp in a different jersey but definitely enjoyed it," he aid.
"Certainly didn't think I'd have the wheels (to score), but definitely think the wind was pushing me from the back."
Kuridrani hopes this weekend isn't the last time he features for Fiji, though he stopped short of declaring his ambitions for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
If he were to continue on that path, Kuridrani could find himself on a collision course with the Wallabies in the pool stages in Japan.
"(It) was so good to wear the jersey with pride and hopefully (I have) more appearances," he said.
Kuridrani was coy when asked about whether he was looking to the World Cup.
"Hopefully, see how we go. Maybe in a different position."
6:50pm - Garraway gives her thoughts on ACT victory
The Brumbies made their first Brisbane Tens appearance a positive one, beating out fellow newcomers the Rebels 17-7.
Brumbies' Jane Garraway said the tournament, which is serving as a precursor to the inaugural Super W, was a valuable opportunity.
"It was good start to get a win under our belts, bring a bit of confidence with us," she said post-match.
"I think Tens is a really fun game, bit more fast than XVs, it's a lot more fun to throw the ball around, bit more space, it's really good.
"We all have to turn our voices up a bit more (with the crowd) but it's pretty exciting."
6:45pm - Robinson reacts to rivalry win
NSW's Women got off to a winning start in Brisbane, besting Queensland 19-5 and giving forward Emily Robinson plenty to smile about.
"It's good to get one up first up. good hit-out. We knew they were going to come out pretty hard, so we just knew we had to tough it out in that first little section and then come up with the goods," she said.
Robinson said the women were still adjusting to the Tens format, but that didn't dim their competitiveness.
"It's a bit different. A bit confusing, not enough on the field but too many at the same time. Brings 7s and XVs girls together.
"It's definitely a fun time but when you step over that line it's pretty fiery."
The second women's round kicks off at 8:03pm local, 9:03pm AEDT.
6:43pm - Pool C - Brumbies 17 Fiji 12
Fiji, with flair to boot, crossed first, Mosese Voka the scorer.
James Verity-Amm had the finesse covered for the Brumbies, though, splitting the line with blistering pace to put Henry Speight over and reduce the margin to two points at the break.
Speight gifted former Red Chris Kuridrani a try at the resumption of play, spilling a high ball into the Fijian's arms, promptly running 50 metres to score.
Speight then added another five points to his tally before Chance Peni then crossed for his first points in Brumbies colours, securing a tough win for ACT.
6:15pm - Women's - Brumbies 17 Rebels 7
Georgia Cormick showed a superb turn of foot to put Melbourne on the board first, running 70 metres to touch down.
The Brumbies threw a one-two punch in response, Kiahan Bell-Chambers and Michelle Perry the scorers.
Shellie Milward crossed for ACT soon after the break but that would be the final scoring act of the match, Melbourne unable to score despite consistent pressure deep in the Brumbies' 22.
5:50pm - Nanai-Williams pleased with Chiefs in opener
5:45pm - Women's - NSW 19 QLD 5
Queensland star Samantha Treherne put the home side on the board early, with NSW taking six minutes to level things up through Chloe Leaupepe.
That left the score locked at 5-all at the break, NSW eventually earning their first lead with five to play through Ilisevea Baitbagsa.
The NSW pressure from that point forward was relentless, a QLD player sent to the bin before Grace Hamilton finally crashed over to put the result beyond doubt.
5:25pm - Gordon, Hayman speak after opener
Jake Gordon and Carl Hayman took a moment to share their thoughts on a big win for the Waratahs and a similarly disappointing start for Pau.
Gordon was on the end of a clever Mack Mason kick to score in the victory and said coach Daryl Gibson had stressed to them the importance of the competition.
"A lot of the boys hadn't played Tens before and to come away with a win like that against a strong Pau team was really pleasing," he said.
"I think we've got a point to prove this year.
"Last year wasn't acceptable and Daryl spoke with us and the team and really made a point that this was going to be one of our platforms to really set a good block for the rest of the year."
5:15pm - Pool B - Chiefs 17 Highlanders 12
The defending champs are on the board in Brisbane, snatching a win from the Highlanders through a last minute Samisoni Taukehaio try.
Josh McKay drew early first blood for the Highlanders and the remainder of the half was rather uneventful, both sides no doubt pleasing their coaching staff with some impressive defensive stands.
Liam Messam returned fire for the Chiefs before Sean Wainui crossed as the half time siren rung out, putting the defending champs in front at the break.
Tevita Nabura put the Highlanders on level terms at 12-all after the break, the three-on-two created by a rock solid scrum deep in Chiefs territory.
But Taukehaio and the Chiefs had the last laugh, the Highlanders controversially disallowed a late try by the TMO.
4:45pm - Barnes, Umaga share post match thoughts
Here's what Berrick Barnes and Tana Umaga had to say after Panasonic and the Blues recorded opening match wins in Pool A.
4:40pm - Pool B - Waratahs 31 Pau 10
The Waratahs struck an early double blow, Lalakai Foketi crossing two minutes after Ryan McCauley put his side on the board.
Pau worked their way into the Tahs 22 with seven minutes on the clock and created an opportunity forMack Mason set up a superb try two minutes later, dummying and grubbering through for Cody Walker, who showed a slick set of hands to clean the ball up at knee height and pop it to Jake Gordon for the Tahs' third.
Some sharp initiative from Will Miller set up the Waratahs' fourth, scooting around the edge of a breakdown to claim a loose ball before offloading to Irae Simone, opening up a 26-5 half time lead.
Pau had their second three minutes into the second term, Frank Halai trucking over the top of a defender to dot down.
The French side had all the ball in the next five minutes but were unable to break a willing Waratahs defensive unit that eventually turned the ball over for Alex Newsome to jog over from 40 out and put the final nail in the coffin.
4:15pm - Pool A - Blues 29 Reds 7
Tamati Tua crossed for the Blues in the second minute after applying some intense early pressure in the opening exchanges, with Caleb Clarke scoring three minutes later to open up a 10-0 lead.
The Reds finally got their hands on the footy in the latter half of the second term but they were unable to string phases together, a brilliant Tate McDermott chip-and-chase after the siren not proving to be a fruitful endeavour as a Hamish Stewart cross field kick sailed into the seats.
Queensland turned the tables on the Blues in the first five minutes of the second term and after Jayden Ngamanu blew a simple try by throwing a dummy rather than passing to Michael Gunn, Brandon Paenga-Amosa cantered over from a pick-and-drive.
The Blues returned serve with a long range try, Melani Nanai strolling over to open up a 15-7 lead and adding another on the siren to seal the result.
3:40pm - Pool A - Wild Knights 19 Rebels 17
A triple treat of unanswered tries has put the Wild Knights on the board, stunning the Rebels after they flew out of the gates.
Melbourne had all the ball in the opening minutes and Sama Malolo scored the opening try of the tournament, burrowing over in the left corner after some sharp runs from Henry Hutchison put Melbourne on the front foot.
Rowan Perry added Melbourne's second - with Panasonic yet to cross the halfway plane - Malolo grabbing another with three minutes to play in the first term.
Berrick Barnes was injected into the fray for the Wild Knights and moments later, Iori Kaji had beaten three defenders en route to his side's first five pointer.
Berrick Barnes 👀 #brisbanetens
— Trent (@TrentKyle) February 9, 2018
Taiki Koyama crossed next for the Wild Knights, taking the score to 17-12 at the break and it was a deadlock from that point forward, Yoshikazu Fujita scoring the winner.
2:30pm - Aussie teams in action
Here's when each of the Australian sides will feature today.
Reds
3:44pm - vs Blues
7:36pm - vs Rebels
Waratahs
4:13pm - vs Pau
8:34pm - vs Highlanders
Rebels
3:15pm - vs Wild Knights
7:36pm - vs Reds
Brumbies
6:09pm - vs Fiji
10:30pm - vs Crusaders
For a full list of fixtures, click here.
