You can stand by it but it got well and truly smashed.
What that match proved was that even the fringe squad is now able to slot into Cheika's pattern of play - Godwin and Morahan were great cases in point.
Some of the attacking interplay in midfield was just excellent. It was on the edges of the tight forward range that things got rickety - I think that's when we were missing our new lock finds and probably Hooper.
It what way did it get 'well and truly smashed'. Because of the result or because how we played?
I only once mentioned that I thought we would lose. In the end it came down to Spedding ignoring a 4 on 2 chance near the line and a field goal missing by 1m in regards to the result.
In regards to how we played, I thought the intensity was great, but that combinations in both attack and defense, particularly in the backline was average, and there were plenty of mistakes.
I also agreed with Noddy (and liked his post) where he said having Foley come into the side served us better. This at least helped with the combinations that have been used for the vast majority of the last three test matches.
We also lacked penetration in the backs, and guys that were willing to run hard and straighten the attack. A lot of the ball we got was front foot, and similar to the Wales game, but we couldn't make the best use of it. It is no surprise at all that we lacked penetration when we rested Folau, Hodge and DHP.
So instead of giving key players a rest over the last few games (or when the game dictated we could) we've given them a rest all at the same time. I think there are some clear negatives to that, while also a few positives out of this game:
Negatives:
Flyhalf - Unlucky Cooper was injured, but if he had more time in previous games it wouldn't matter as much - we now have a big risk if Foley struggles in a game or is injured because we have to bring someone in that has been used for about 10 minutes over 3 games.
Fullback - This was a prime opportunity to see DHP there, who is surely the second choice fullback over Morahan, but has yet to have any time in a test match there. What happens if Folau is injured?
Skelton - why why why - nothing more to say.
Positives:
Second Row & Loose - It was good to see Douglas, McMahon and Fardy given a good hitout. We know these guys can play, but it is a reminder there are choices that may be better balanced - Mumm, Skelton and Pocock at 6/8 are all things that can be altered.
Hooker - Thought Latu went pretty well and is only going to get better.