There's always a story behind a result. I'd say Ben and Dan had great rides last night, Chris probably would have hoped for more. In world cup racing it is VERY tough to move up the field. There's probably 5 riders in the world that could make it to the front after starting lower than 30th on the grid, and they're all starting in the top 10.
Chris was getting top 20 results a couple of years ago when he had a ranking that started him up there. After having a year off he started 81st on the grid last night and was 42nd after the first lap. He did fade but it shows he's still got the speed there. He still cracked the top 60 though so will have a World Cup ranking for the next round and be started ~25 positions better on the grid which will make a difference in Dalby Forrest. If he can string 3 or 4 good rounds together look for him going top 30 again.
Dan had a bad season last year and also had a poor start position in 84th. Consistently moving through the field the whole race to finish high 40s is a very positive thing. He'll also have a grid position much better for Dalby Forrest now and would expect to finish in the 30s there if everything goes to plan. He'd hope to get a couple of results in the 20s this season.
Ben had no chance starting 120th on the grid but had a great race moving into the 70s on the first lap. He should be very happy. He stayed consistent in the 60s but couldn't quite bridge the gap to the guys inside the top 60. That's disappointing as now he'll have a start position pretty similar in Dalby Forrest and will have to battle through again.
Norri was consistently moving up but broke a wheel on lap 3 and got pulled at the 80% point before he could make it to the tech zone for a new wheel. He was into the 70s coming from the 90s.
I'd say it was actually a very strong showing from the Aussie guys. If Chris and Dan ride like that at round 2 they'll be putting themselves into the 20s or 30s, a very strong position for the season. Hopefully Ben and Norri can crack a top 60 so they start getting a decent start position and can get a result they're worthy of.