The Brumbies kept their perfect 2020 account going on Friday night with a 39-26 win over the Rebels.
What are we talking about after that derby?
1. Fast start ticks a box for Brumbies
The Brumbies were vocal in preseason about the opportunity that presented itself in the form of three home games in the first three weeks of 2020.
After establishing a trend of starting slow in recent seasons, coach Dan McKellar and his men said only a fast start would do this year.
And two weeks in, they are certainly on track to tick that box.
Though neither of their wins has been perfect, they are putting themselves in a strong position early and building some handy momentum.
Friday night’s win was their 10th win at home in a row, just three short of their club record 13-match home streak.
The tests are not over yet, though - they face the Highlanders at home next week before travelling to New Zealand in a fortnight that will be telling.
2. Ill-discipline costs Rebels
The Rebels barely had a look in attack in the opening half on Friday night but when they did get the ball, they became their own worst enemies in many ways.
The most obvious way was with their discipline. Melbourne gave away the first five penalties of the game and almost all of them opened the chance for the Brumbies to score.
Though the final tally was 11-9, those infringements were too costly for the Rebels against the Brumbies, who thrive in a set piece battle.
3. Simone’s new groove
Irae Simone came to the Brumbies looking for a second chance in Super Rugby after an average stint with the Waratahs.
That move has paid off in spades for the centre, who also re-signed with the ACT club this week.
Simone was hugely influential for the Brumbies and is starting to show the talent that had him lighting up the Shute Shield only a couple of years ago.
The 24-year-old scored a quick try on Friday night and played a key role in much of the attack on the night. Expect a big year from him.
4. Aussie losses starting to mount for Rebels
The Rebels have had a disappointing start to their season and their 0-2 start is compounded by the fact their defeats have come against conference opponents.
Every conference match is almost more significant than cross-conference clashes, with teams jostling for the conference lead to secure a guaranteed finals spot.
The Rebels have yet another conference derby next week, this time at home, against the Waratahs and another loss would be a huge blow already o their finals chances.
Rebels coach Dave Wessels admitted post-match that his key players might have come into the season underdone with only limited trial time but that excuse won’t fly in round three.
5. Lolesio shows footy smarts
Noah Lolesio was arguably the 10 prospect who had the least amount of fanfare around him heading into this Super Rugby season.
That can surely no longer be the case after another sensational performance. Lolesio looks right at home in Super Rugby and he took another step up in round two.
Incredibly composed for a youngster, Lolesio doesn’t overplay his hand but he isn’t afraid to try something when the opportunity arises.
A perfectly-timed offload and an opportunistic grubber kick both set up first half tries.
