Round Two of Super W saw plenty of teams make a statement as contenders for the title emerged.
This was no clearer to see in Queensland as the Fijiana Drua pulled off a convincing victory over last year's runners up Queensland Reds.
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It likely puts them on a collision course with the NSW Waratahs after their gutsy win over the Western Force.
However, the Melbourne Rebels and Brumbies showed plenty of fight in their 17-all draw, setting up an exciting period for the competition.
So what did we learn from round two?
1.Fight
What is it about the Rebels and Brumbies and always delivering thrillers?
After a thumping defeat against the Fijian Drua, the Rebels put together a remarkable defence effort to withhold a barrage of Brumbies attacks in the first half.
Despite the visitors having 13 more entries inside opposition 22, the hosts were buoyed by their return to AAMI Park as substitute Eirenei Nanai burst over with her lone touch of the game to give the Rebels a chance to lock it up.
Wallaroo Georgia Cormick’s composure to slot the conversion showed the growth in this Rebels’ side nearly 12 months on from the Brumbies doing the same via a 79th-minute penalty in Coffs Harbour, setting them up nicely for a clash with the Waratahs.
2. Statement
Make no mistake, the Fijiana Drua are a real threat to the Waratahs’ quest for a fifth straight title.
After easily accounting for the Rebels, the Drua showed their class against a strong Reds outfit, defying limited possession to score twice just before the break.
This would be the catalyst for 27 unanswered points as they raced away with the game and secured the bonus-point victory.
3. Finding a way
The Waratahs haven’t seemed to hit top gear yet but keep finding ways to pull off strong victories.
Sunday’s victory over the Force followed a similar pattern to last week’s - fighting to gain ascendancy in the first half before a yellow card to their opposition ultimately gives them life and allows them to build an unassailable lead.
With clashes against the Rebels, Drua and Reds on the horizon, they need to brush off any cobwebs quickly if they wish to maintain their unbeaten run in Super W.
4. Try of the Year
Bridie O’Gorman lived out every front-rowers dream at Leichhardt.
With the game still in the balance, a box kick from Iliseva Batibasaga from well inside her half found space, with the Force unable to secure it.
The tight-head would’ve been the last person you’d expect to win the race but O’Gorman latched onto the ball and burst away from the surrounding defenders, running 30 metres to score.
With the likes of Murphy, Vella and Tuipulotu on the field, the prop had no reason to win the race and score, but the crowd at Leichhardt was ultimately better of for it.
5. Two-horse race?
Whilst it’s still early in the season, it really seems like the title will be decided by either the Waratahs or Fijiana Drua.
Both have looked a class above strong performers, only building hype for their round five match.
The Reds, Brumbies and Rebels are probably the teams fighting for third barring a late rally from the Force, putting extra emphasis on Friday’s clash at GIO Stadium.
