The first weekend of Super Rugby was a fruitful one with 508 points scored across the nine matches, the second highest number of points in a round ever.
But after last year's Champions the Hurricanes got walloped by 42 points in the first round of the 2016 season, it can be hard to deduce too much from the weekend.
Here are five things we learned;
1. All five New Zealand teams will be the teams to beat in 2017
So… water is wet, the sun is hot and the status quo in rugby remains. Despite it being the opening weekend, the difference between the New Zealand sides and the rest when it came to pace, intensity and the skill with ball in hand was stark.
2. All Blacks aren't locked in for the Lions tour
Last year's end of season tour to Europe threw up a number of selection surprises and it's looking like that will transfer into the Super Rugby season. The likes of Augustine Pulu, Rieko Ioane, Ihaia West, Michael Fatialofa, Scott Barrett and Jordan Taufua all sent reminders to the All Blacks coaching team to keep an eye on their progress.
3. Win or lose, the Blues will be exciting
The Blues big win over the Rebels on Thursday night was impressive. While we should be careful not to get too carried away (citing once again the Hurricanes' loss to the Brumbies in R1 last year), one's eyes light up at the look of the Blues' potential backline in later rounds.
Coach Tana Umaga will have to choose the best backline of a very good bunch including but not limited to Ihaia West, SBW, Rieko Ioane, Michael Collins, George Moala, Ambrose Curtis, Rene Ranger, the list goes on…
4. Crusaders' problems out wide may continue
The Crusaders have one of if not the best packs in the competition. But that's not where they'll likely struggle in 2017, having a backline that's too lateral and a little too small. Seta Tamanivalu is a welcome addition but he comes in as a straight swap for Nemani Nadolo and they'll need a bit more firepower than that.
5. Expansion the big loser… again
Sanzaar's decision to expand with the inclusion of Argentina's Jaguares, the Southern Kings in South Africa and Japan's Sunwolves is unlikely to get any more backing. The Jaguares will likely be there toward the business end of the year but it's wooden spoon city for the Kings and the Sunwolves.
