It was not the result they wanted, but the Scarlets gave plenty of reasons for optimism in Cape Town as a talented teenager stole the show against some serious opposition.
The Welsh region fell to defeat in South Africa, but the performance was far from a disaster, with several players catching the eye and reminding supporters why there is genuine excitement building around this squad.
The standout moment of the night belonged to the young playmaker who ran the show for large stretches of the game. Still a teenager, he looked completely at home on the big stage, pulling strings, making smart decisions under pressure and showing a maturity that belied his age. For a kid still finding his feet in professional rugby, that kind of display in South Africa is no small thing.
The Scarlets have been blooding young talent throughout the season and this was another reminder of why that approach is paying off. When your teenage players can go toe to toe with seasoned professionals and come out looking like the smartest person on the pitch, you know something is going right in the development setup.
Defensively the Scarlets had their moments too, putting in some big hits and showing real grit when their backs were against the wall. Keeping things competitive in Cape Town is no easy task, and there were long spells where the Welsh side more than matched their hosts.
The defeat will sting, no question about it. Travelling that far and coming away with nothing in the results column is always a tough pill to swallow. But the manner of the performance, particularly from the younger members of the squad, gives the coaching staff plenty to work with heading into the rest of the season.
For the supporters watching back home, the message is clear enough. The Scarlets are not just making up the numbers in these fixtures. They are competing, they are developing players who can handle the pressure of big occasions, and they are building something that looks increasingly promising.
The teenager at the heart of this performance will no doubt be one to watch as the season progresses. Displays like this on the road in South Africa do not go unnoticed, and if he can keep this level up, bigger opportunities will not be far away.
It was a defeat, yes. But not without its silver linings.