It was a perfect afternoon of Rugby in Bowral as close to 4,000 packed into Eridge Park to watch the Waratahs and Brumbies' 36-all draw.
Both teams were rusty but showed enough quality to convince spectators they will go deep in this Super Rugby Pacific competition.
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Here's what we learnt.
Fans will have to wait a fortnight to see Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in Sky Blue after he was pulled late from the final pre-season trial.
It was a safe approach from the Waratahs, who said he would’ve played if it was round one. However, it leaves them with an interesting gamble whether to play him at fullback against the Highlanders after spending the start of his Rugby career at outside centre.
The bigger concern is captain Jake Gordon, who clutched his back inside the first five minutes, leaving after fighting through the pain for several minutes.
Dan McKellar was adamant after the game it was a minor injury but the Waratahs wouldn't want it to be something Gordon needs to manage throughout the season.
The Brumbies never rebuild, they only reload and this is the best example of this.
With the likes of Tom Wright, Noah Lolesio and Allan Alaalatoa watching from the sidelines, they matched the full-strength Waratahs throughout the contest to claim the draw.
It’s a testament to what’s building in Canberra, with depth across every position as the continuity in the group showed.
It leaves Stephen Larkham with big headaches trying to pick a 23 for their opener against the Fijian Drua.
Andrew Kellaway's influence on the Waratahs is already clear.
The winger was picking apart the Brumbies with his skills, setting up Lancaster for the first try before running a perfect line off Lalakai Foketi to dive over for his first try back at the Waratahs.
Kellaway's level head is going to be crucial in a young back three alongside Max Jorgensen and Suaalii.
Meanwhile, Langi Gleeson was a man on a mission from the moment he skittled multiple Brumbies with a powerful carry early in the game.
He was excellent throughout his stint and unleashed a lot of bent-up frustration after he was axed late from Wallabies camp.
Flyhalf Declan Meredith is a great product of the Canberra system and looked superb in his rare start in the ten jersey.
He glided through for a try early in the second half after piecing the Waratahs up early with his ball-playing skills.
Young centre combo Kadin Pritchard and Austin Anderson were also impressive in the second half and inspired the Brumbies' charge to re-take the lead late.
Pritchard is a name to remember, set to play a big role in the Australia U20s this season and signed long-term at the club.
Bowral came in their droves for a quality game in Rugby, with the crowd packed into every corner of the ground.
The ground was packed well before kick-off as the line to enter the Eridge Park car park was close to a kilometre long an hour before the game.
Players stayed well after half-time to sign autographs, with even Sevens icon Charlotte Caslick turning from spectator to autographer.
It’s a perfect venue for an annual trial between these two sides, attracting a great mix of Brumbies and Waratahs fans.
