The Melbourne Rebels made the best possible start to their Super Rugby season with a 20-10 upset win on Friday over last season's runners-up the Crusaders to notch their first win outside Australia.
The victory was even sweeter for the Rebels, coming at the cauldron of Christchurch Stadium.
Rebels halfback Nic Stirzaker was both hero and villain in the hard-fought battle.
He was yellow-carded after just two minutes for allegedly stomping on All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.
In his absence, the home side went out to a 3-0 lead through a penalty kick by Test five-eighth Dan Carter.
But Stirzaker made amends in the 65th minute when he scooped up a rebounding Carter kick and raced downfield to give his team a match-winning 10-point lead.
Stirzaker wasn't the only player in trouble, with referee Nick Briant handing out three yellow cards.
Crusaders No.9 Mitchell Drummond spent 10 minutes on the sidelines for slowing down the ball, while Rebels flanker Sean McMahon was carded in the second half for an alleged lifting tackle.
McMahon, skipper Scott Higginbotham and lock Lopeti Timani were some of the Rebels' standouts with the forwards getting the better of their highly rated opponents.
Timani joined Melbourne last season but only managed two games through injury. He showed his value when he scored the opening try, barrelling over after 20 lead-up phases by his side.
The Crusaders hit straight back through hooker Ben Funnell as they drove the ball over the line from a five metre lineout.
The teams looked like they would go to halftime at 10-10 until Rebels recruit Mike Harris slotted a penalty after the hooter thanks to Drummond's indiscretion.
The Crusaders let themselves down with some poor finishing, making double the handling errors of Melbourne.
The only blight on the Rebels' night was the early loss of boom five-eighth Jack Debreczeni with a head knock.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan said the overseas win was well deserved.
It took five seasons in the making - with 2014 also under his watch.
"I'm really proud of the players, they've worked really hard over the last 18 months and I'm proud of the effort that they put in," McGahan said.
"They really stuck to their guns out there and they showed great spirit to beat a very good Crusaders side."
He made special mention of the forward pack and particularly Timani, in his first start at lock.
"Also, our ability to stay composed in defence against a very good attacking side really was the key," McGahan said.
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