There weren't any bags of sweets to hand over, in particular a silver monstrosity otherwise known as the Bledisloe Cup. And it wasn't a gold class All Blacks line-up running around Suncorp Stadium.
Nonetheless the Wallabies' triumph deserves thunderous applause, as it could easily become a defining moment for a team so accustomed to the frustrations of failure.
Two years out from the next Rugby World Cup, this was the perfect time for a group to discover what can be achieved if they work hard, become fit, retain their focus, properly develop combinations, and get their act together on and off the field.
First up, sanity at last prevailed at the selection table, with Michael Cheika thankfully turning away from his usual policy of reckless changes, and instead providing some consistency with the core of the team remaining for several Tests. This allowed the team to breathe, to mature, to become accustomed to each other, and with it came a distinct rise in confidence and belief.
The Wallabies are no longer a bunch of strangers having to introduce themselves to each other before each international. Instead by being at each other's side under intense pressure for several Tests they have now had time to discover each other's idiosyncrasies, and how to best utilise each other's talents. They are now playing as a team, not a bunch of confused individuals, all fretting that this Test match is going to be their last.
Not surprisingly in Brisbane, the tight five played as a unit, producing one of their best set-piece performances for the season. Their scrummaging was precise, as was their lineout work. With it was easily Australia's best back-row effort of the season in wet conditions that favoured the visitors. Jack Dempsey has made the blindside position his following another quality performance, while even better were No. 8 Sean McMahon and openside flanker Michael Hooper.
The last time the Wallabies defeated the All Blacks -- in Sydney two years ago -- a prime reason was how dynamic their back-row were that night with Hooper, David Pocock and Scott Fardy all having mighty games. Ditto Brisbane 2017. Once again, they eclipsed the All Blacks back-row, which is no easy feat, especially when it contains the world's best No. 8, Kieran Read.
And yet again Hooper showed he has it as a captain. It is the little moments that make a skipper. And that was on show during the first half. Will Genia tried several snipes from the tackle area, and was absolutely smashed by the All Blacks forwards.
Realising that Genia needed a chance to click his bones back into shape, for several phases Hooper took over as the first receiver at the ruck, giving his halfback enough time to regather his bearings. This was smart game management from a skipper, who clearly has every Australian player happily marching behind him.
The Wallabies' backline is also beginning to gel, in particular the back three of Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete and Reece Hodge, who overcame below par performances from No. 10 Bernard Foley and centres Kurtley Beale and Tevita Kuridrani to constantly threaten the All Blacks. Koroibete and Hodge are gradually becoming one of the best finishing wing combinations in world rugby.
Also it may be time for Hodge to take more of the pressure kicks at goal, especially with Foley again suffering the yips in Brisbane.
The most encouraging performance came from the bench. Australian Rugby has always excelled when they have boasted two dominant, dynamic ball-running second rowers. Adam Coleman is one. And the much required second could easily be Lukhan Tui, who within seconds succeeded in showing up the man he replaced, Rob Simmons, during an exceptional second half where the 21-year-old Queenslander was endlessly sighted causing mayhem in open play. From Queensland under-20s level, the new Reds coach and almighty international lock Brad Thorn has clearly taught Tui well.
Defensively, the Wallabies are now a completely different beast to the one at the start of the season who couldn't and often didn't want to make a tackle.
As pleasing was that the generally emotional Cheika opted against chest-beating after the win. He was instead humble, explaining: "Unfortunately I have always got it in the back of our mind that our duty is to bring home the trophy which we haven't done. As happy as I am -- and I am very happy for the players because they have been working hard -- but the end game is to bring home the [Bledisloe] Cup and we came up short there this year."
So true. Even the New Zealand media, who have delighted in lampooning Cheika, were praising him for his after-match behaviour. Weird times indeed!
Then again, Cheika is well aware that if the Wallabies are serious about being No. 1, these are the Test matches they must win. When opponents are vulnerable -- as the All Blacks minus several key players were on Saturday night -- you make them pay, especially when on your own home turf.
The Wallabies did. A very important development.
