The Waratahs were their own worst enemies; youth will be no excuse; and does anyone have Will Skelton's number?
Here's what we're talking about after the Waratahs' round one loss to the Crusaders in Nelson.
1. The Waratahs were their own worst enemies
The Crusaders were massive favourites heading into Saturday's game, coming in as defending champions with a home advantage (even if it wasn't in Christchurch).
But that's not what won them the game. Like the Waratahs, the Crusaders suffered an exodus of experienced players following the World Cup and were testing new combinations and personnel on Saturday.
The Tahs stayed in the arm wrestle early but simple errors halted any chance they had of maintaining continuity.
By missing twice as many tackles, conceding 50 percent more turnovers and allowing three times as many offloads, the Waratahs failure to master the basics meant they had few chances to build on the good work they did produce.
Fix that and they'll be in games. Granted, it's more easily said than done but they can't be a competitive outfit until it happens.
2. Debutants showed promise but youth will be no excuse.
The post-World Cup exodus has created a new era at the Waratahs and there were signs that it will eventually be a golden one, with their debutants showing glimpses of greatness.
"Nawaqanitawase" is the name on everyone's lips after his two tries in the second half briefly gave the Tahs a chance to fight their way back into the game, while flyhalf Will Harrison had some silky touches.
Their Junior Wallabies teammates Angus Bell and Carlo Tizzano also made their Super Rugby debuts and had some good moments.
But their youth gave them no leeway in the minds of the Crusaders, who pounced on any error they made and quickly turned it into an advantage.
The biggest test for the young guns comes now. Can they learn to deal with defeat and get better from it in order to become seasoned Super Rugby contributors for the Waratahs.
3. Penney taking a leaf out of the Crusaders book
A former Crusaders assistant coach, Penney, like Reds coach and former Crusaders player Brad Thorn, looks to have a focus on nurturing local talent to try to ensure future success.
While blooding his young stars has been forced on him to an extent by the post World Cup drain, the move is straight out of the Crusaders and Canterbury playbook that has helped those clubs build successful dynasties.
It's likely to take time but if Penney can keep his young Tahs group together - as has happened up the road at the Reds where the majority of their Super Rugby players are local juniors who have now committed to long-term contracts with the club - good things lie ahead.
4. Kurtley Beale creating plenty in attack
After considering a stint at 10 due to the lack of experienced playmakers, Penney has let Beale loose at his preferred position of fullback and he was a menace to the Crusaders - without much payoff.
Beale looked to have scored a try in the first half before the TMO ruled a pass from Jake Gordon in the lead-up travelled forward to Will Harrison.
But he created plenty of other opportunities, just needing a trailing runner off his hip to carry the play to another level.
It will take time for the young players, in particular, to get used to Beale's improvisation but if they can learn to read when he is set to turn it on, it will be to their advantage.
David Havili was outstanding for the Crusaders but Beale finished with better numbers - 113m in attack from 13 runs, including two clean breaks - although he conceded four turnovers, his at-times poor decision-making having a knock-on effect as the home side capitalised.
Determined to mentor the young playmakers coming through, Beale can be a great guiding force but needs to clean up his own backyard to show the way for the young guns.
5. Does anyone have Will Skelton's number?
The Waratahs' forwards were far from poor but apart from Michael Hooper and veteran captain Simmons, they have few genuine strike players with experience in the second and back rows.
Jed Holloway was busy at no.8 with 10 tackles and seven passes - including a neat ball late in the match that sent Alex Newsome over for a consolation try - but was beaten in almost every category by Crusader Whetu Douglas.
Tom Staniforth made more carries than Scott Barrett in the 47 minutes both were on the field but the Crusaders captain had more run metres and passes, while neither man's numbers set the world alight.
Lachlan Swinton was busy without being spectacular in his 70-minute stint, while Carlo Tizzano on debut, was typically energetic but had few opportunities to show his best.
Skelton may not be the messiah but his experience could be a godsend for Penney and the Tahs.
