Some promising player gems were unearthed but a glance at the top of the Australian Conference makes uneasy viewing for Aussie hopes after Super Rugby’s opening round.

Japan’s Sunwolves lead the division from the four Australian sides, three of whom opened their campaigns with defeat.

Just the Brumbies logged four competition points thanks to their tense home derby win over the Queensland Reds, while the NSW Waratahs and Melbourne Rebels were beaten on the road.

While early judgments can be hasty, there are danger signs Australia could field just one team in the post-season for a fifth straight year.

The biggest worry lines can be found at the Rebels, whose embarrassing 36-27 loss to the Sunwolves in Fukuoka was littered with mistakes and lack of intensity.

Boasting an experienced backline and guided by the man favoured to wear No.10 for the Wallabies this year, Matt Toomua, they need a giant reboot heading into an imposing date with the Brumbies in Canberra.

The men from the capital enhanced their favouritism to defend the Australian Conference crown by seeing off the game Reds 27-24.

Fullback Tom Banks’ sizzling solo try for the winners was the attacking high point of a game played in searing January heat.

There were some promising moments from Queensland, who will be excited at the raw talent on offer from No.8 Harry Wilson.

The 20-year-old Junior Wallaby’s dynamic debut suggests there is plenty to come as they embark on an early-season foray to South Africa and Argentina.

The other bright new light is Waratahs winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who lived up to much of the pre-season hype with two well-taken tries in the 43-25 loss to the Crusaders in Nelson.

While handsomely beaten, Rob Penney’s team conjured numerous line breaks against the competition favourites in a manner not often seen last year, with Kurtley Beale a particular handful from fullback.

Elsewhere, the teams highly rated as final prospects all prospered.

The Warren Gatland-coached Chiefs opened with a 37-29 defeat of the Blues, with returning five-eighth Aaron Cruden the catalyst for a second-half fightback.

Last year’s finalists, the Jaguares, monstered the Lions 38-8 in Argentina while the team regarded their biggest threat for South African Conference honours, the Stormers, whitewashed the Hurricanes 27-0 at home.

The Sharks snuck past the Bulls 23-15.