The 43-33 scoreline probably doesn't do the Naarm/Melbourne Rebels justice as they came away with a much-needed win over Moana Pasifika.
They dominated the hosts for 60 minutes, only for a late charge from Aaron Mauger's side leading to unnecessary stress for Kevin Foote.
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In the end, the Rebels were the better team and get a vital win towards their finals hopes.
So what did we learn?
1 MADE TO WORK FOR IT
The Rebels made life a lot harder than it needed to be.
Up 12 with three minutes to go, the decision to turn down three in the pursuit of a bonus point nearly cost them everything. Kevin Foote said after the game they had no regrets about the decision, understanding the value of every single point in this competition.
However, he was disappointed they slipped off tackles and it left a Rebels defence already down Jordan Uelese in the bin to sweat it out late.
In the end, cult hero Cabous Eloff was there with the game-seeing rip to put Monty Ioane into space.
It was a much-needed win but the last-quarter fadeouts remain a concern.
2. WEARING THEM DOWN
Despite the late struggles, the Rebels showed the signs they are a maturing side, able to systematically break down a side to get results when they have the numbers advantage
Twice in the first half they dominated territory and possession whilst refusing to panic or fall guilty to a rash, expansive play that leads to nothing.
Instead, they kept it tight and forced the hosts to make the mistake, leading to a pair of yellow cards.
In two separate bunches, they scored twice to extend the lead, with a third yellow card after the break allowing the Rebels to put the game out of reach - just.
They preach a ‘fast, fearless’ style of Rugby, but sometimes the slow, cerebral method is just as effective.
3. THE GAME CHANGER
If MVP was given by its most literal definition, Levi Aumua would be close to favourite.
Aumua didn’t touch the ball in the first 20 minutes and Moana looked lost. He then took a carry from his own goal line, broke five tacklers and put the hosts on the attack. They then scored minutes later after Aumua attracted the defenders and left Neria Foma’i with a mismatch in the corner.
When the hosts needed points, the centre was there to break through and dive over the line for the five-pointer, sparking the second half charge
The issues for Aaron Mauger’s side is finding how to get the best out of the likes of Timoci Tavatavanawai and William Havili for the full 80 minutes so they aren't chasing the game late.
4. WELCOME HOME
Auckland-born Vaiolini Ekuasi and David Feliuai celebrated their return home with dominant performances.
Ekuasi was constantly there to truck the ball over the attacking line and make the impactful tackle needed to half the physical Pasifika.
Meanwhile, Feliuai broke the game open with a great run after the half-time siren, beating three and scoring under the posts.
The Rebels recruitment staff must be praised for finding the hidden gems. They’ve added crucial value to this side and loom as key pieces for the future.
5. THE CLASS OF KELLAWAY
Andrew Kellaway has been the missing link for the Rebels at the back.
He finds a way to get involved at key moments and his picture-perfect read of the defensive line allowed him to slice through and find Josh Kemeny for the second try.
His composure at the back is a major positive, dominating the aerial battle and making some crucial tackles,
It just furthers the competition for the wide-open fullback jersey for the Wallabies, with Tom Wright and Jordan Petaia starting the season strong.
