1996 Volkswagen Polo New barrel ignition fitted

Hi,
I have just fitted a new barrel lock to my ignition - I removed the old one by drilling a small hole and using a punch to help me remove the old one - this went really well. I have fitted a new barrel but haven't yet re-asemled the steering and electrics.
I put the key in the lock and it won't turn!
My question is: Do I have to put the steering back together to find out if the steering lock is faulty or should the key be turning the lock even if the electrics are not connected?

Thanks Gerry