IT WAS tough, gritty and largely unexpected - the ACT Brumbies showed there's untapped potential in their squad when they kick-started the Jake White era in Darwin last night.
The first match under new coach White went exactly to plan as the Brumbies trounced the Western Force 25-0 at Rugby Park.
And while it was only a trial, Brumbies fans will breathe a sigh of relief knowing there's hope this year.
Seven months of brutal pre-season training and the strong competition for spots within the squad paid off for White's team last night.
But he warned the players they couldn't rest on one trial-match result.
The Brumbies played some impressive rugby, but they lapsed at stages and there's plenty of room for improvement.
The victory will mean little if they fail to turn up against the Force in the opening round of the season at Canberra Stadium on February 24.
''Sometimes we really played some good rugby and the thing I enjoyed was we played with a restricted game plan because we play them again in a few weeks,'' White said.
''We got 25 points and to not show your hand is good as well.
''It's not a true reflection because the Force didn't kick [for goal], but defensively we worked hard and they didn't score, so I'm chuffed.''
It may have been the first hit-out of the season, but the Brumbies played with Super Rugby intensity.
The desire to impress White, the competition for selection and desperation to win the opening game drove the Brumbies to victory.
While the Force opted to test their scrum and attack, the Brumbies chose to kick for goal if any opportunity presented itself, like they would in a regular season match.
They were so focused on getting the win, the crowd booed Nic White when he lined up a penalty goal from halfway after full-time, despite leading 22-0.
The conditions were muggy, but the Brumbies' ball handling was crisp and they sliced the Force open with some impressive attacking raids.
The Brumbies used almost their full squad of players with different starting XVs taking the field in both halves.
Players with niggling injuries were rested, but Wallabies Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander saw 40 minutes each.
The Force opted to rest stars David Pocock and Nathan Sharpe but still had plenty of Super Rugby experience. Brumbies fly-half Matt Toomua said the match was a confidence-booster for the two-time Super Rugby champions.
''We said it when we got here, we wanted to win this game,'' Toomua said.
''When you have a season like we did last year, you want to get off on the right note and we'll be trying to win every game.
''We know it's a win in a trial, but it set good habits and that means a lot for us.''
The Brumbies unleashed their strongest line-up in the second half, but their combinations in the opening 40 minutes were impressive.
Zack Holmes slotted three penalty goals, Tom Cox used his blistering pace to get in open space and centre Tevita Kuridrani showed potential for the future.
The Force's front row of former Brumby Salesi Ma'afu, Nathan Charles and Pek Cowan was dominated by Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Anthony Hegarty and Jono Owen.
The Brumbies were able to execute their plays and they held an 8-0 advantage when Ben Hand crossed for a try in the first 20 minutes.
The Brumbies will fly to Cairns on Tuesday and play the Queensland Reds next weekend before returning to Canberra.
AT A GLANCE ACT BRUMBIES 25 (Ben Hand, Christian Lealiifano tries; Zack Holmes 3, Nic White 2 penalties) bt WESTERN FORCE 0 at Rugby Park, Darwin last night.
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