The Wallabies' convincing 24-18 victory over Wales provided a glimpse into what promises to be a bright future for Robbie Deans' side, but it was also utterly frustrating to watch.
While the tourists were once again guilty of kicking too much in general play, there was plenty to like about the way they went about it against a Wales side that was hell bent on sending winger Shane Williams out on a winning note.
But where was this more adventurous game plan during the World Cup?
Having trailed 6-0 in the first half, Australia built a 24-6 lead on the hour after piling on 21 points in 10 minutes while Welsh full-back Leigh Halfpenny was cooling his heels in the sin bin.
Promising flyhalf Rhys Priestland hit back for the hosts soon after before Williams scored his 58th try with his final touch in Test rugby to add respectability to the scoreboard.
Winger Digby Ioane, who confirmed on Sunday he'll remain in Australia for another three seasons after rejecting a massive offer from Japanese club Kubota, was voted man-of-the-match.
But inside-centre Berrick Barnes was the most influential player on the field for the second straight Test.
Which begs the question, why wasn't he in the starting line-up for the disastrous 20-6 loss to the All Blacks in the lop-sided World Cup semi-final at Eden Park?
Oh yeah, remember that game?
That's the one where the Wallabies completely lost the plot and decided to kick the ball to Israel Dagg and Cory Jane all night long instead of keeping it in the hand and using their biggest weapon - the backline.
It was the same ridiculous game plan they employed for the majority of the tournament.
Give the ball to poor old Pat McCabe, a winger/fullback who was turned into an inside-centre at the 11th hour, and let him charge into the waiting defence like a human battering ram.
McCabe's commitment and toughness cannot be questioned, but his selection in the midfield was a massive blunder that contributed heavily to Australia's failure in New Zealand.
Having employed dual playmakers since he took over the reins in June, 2008, coach Robbie Deans inexplicably abandoned that strategy and decided he needed a more direct No.12 in order to win the World Cup.
This would have been a good strategy if Ma'a Nonu or Jamie Roberts were Australian citizens, but they are clearly not.
With Barnes operating outside stand-in flyhalf James O'Connor, who did well in his first Test start at No.10, the Wallabies are a much more dangerous proposition because both playmakers can run, pass or kick, meaning defenders have a lot more to think about.
Barnes' presence would undoubtedly have eased the pressure on besieged flyhalf Quade Cooper against the All Blacks.
His kicking game, which is superior to any of his Wallabies team-mates, would have come in handy as well.
The clock can't be turned back, but let's hope lessons have been learned and that Barnes' importance is not forgotten next season and beyond.