The Queensland Reds had the NSW Waratahs' number in every aspect of the game in their 35-15 win at Suncorp Stadium.
It was a tight contest for the first quarter but the Reds weathered the storm and blew them off the park.
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So what did we learn?
The Reds have shown enough they will be contenders at the season's pointy end.
What was impressive was how they handled the fast start from the Waratahs and kept to their processes.
It was a much cleaner performance than last week against the Crusaders, and their confidence shone throughout the match.
The win sends a message that Les Kiss is the man for the job for the Wallabies, setting this Reds team up perfectly for the win.
More importantly, it gives the Reds the ultimate bragging rights over the Waratahs, with their seventh win in eight games finally putting them ahead 21-20 in the head-to-head records.
The Waratahs' perfect record is gone and now they know what level they must get to if they wish to compete with the best teams in Super Rugby Pacific.
Their record was always misleading after their start, but they looked legit in the first quarter.
However, the Reds class was too much as they imposed themselves on the contest and looked a step ahead.
It doesn’t get much easier for the Waratahs, with a clash against benchmark Brumbies next.
Don’t be fooled by his birth certificate; Harry Wilson bleeds maroon.
The number eight was right up for the contest against the Waratahs and sparked his side with a great spin and move for the five-pointer.
Wilson is the heart and soul of the Reds team and he lifted for the big occasion with a game high 21 tackles without a miss, several crucial ones close to the line.
Seru Uru was also excellent on his return from injury, doing excellent work to sheer off at maul time to take the majority of the Waratahs with him for what looked to be an easy maul try.
Fraser McReight celebrated his new contract with a lovely try and sling on his arm after the game.
McReight showed why he was so in demand after a lovely dummy and try in the corner.
However, his landing on the try was a real concern for the Reds, initially shrugged off as a burner before footage of McReight in a sling post-match evaluated the alarm bells.
Luckily, Reds coach Les Kiss said it didn't seem too bad and it was just an AC joint injury but hinted McReight was already due a rest next week against the Highlanders.
Tom Lynagh is making a serious case for a Wallabies recall in 2025.
His calmness in the pocket was exceptional, but his kicking game keeps evolving.
Lynagh was perfect off the tee once again, including several tough chances from the sidelines, to make it a perfect 15/15 to start the year.
The young playmaker’s game continues to develop and made every right option as he finds confidence behind a strong Reds pack.
