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The All Blacks have once again demonstrated their unparalleled dominance with an incredible 38-27 triumph over the Springboks in Johannesburg.
From the magnificent Test match at Eden Park to the spectacular Ellis Park atmosphere producing a combined crowd of 100,000-plus, the All Blacks have lifted the bar to yet another level.
In an amazing see-sawing and torrid affair at high altitude, the visitors were still adept in suffocating the hosts in their own backyard to confirm their status as far and away the best team in the world.
New Zealand are once again the titleholders of The Rugby Championship, with an astounding record of being unbeaten two years’ straight.
It is an unbelievable achievement, continuing their streak with arduous travels from the rough underworld environments of Buenos Aires or Rosario, Argentina to the demanding and daunting mixture of gases be it in Cape Town, Bloemfontein or Durban, South Africa.
The return game – at the 1995 World Cup final venue – would probably rate as one of the greatest games ever.
It was played at a furious pace, with both sides determined to put on a blazing show to the point of exhaustion.
The relentless intensity, sheer passion and no-holds-barred from the number one and two ranked teams was absolutely phenomenal and neither gave an inch throughout.
Some wonderful running rugby made it a memorable game and both nations should be applauded for taking risks and constructing the kind of rugby that needs to be played.
Hard and physical, extremely tough but fair, and thoroughly entertaining.
After Springbok five-eighth Morne Steyn put his team on the scoreboard with his first penalty goal, New Zealand struck when quick hands delivered to the ever-improving Ben Smith, who spooked through like a ghost to beat four would-be tacklers and scorea beautiful individual try.
But evergreen Bryan Habana used his cool head, blinding speed and experience to reply with consecutive tries of his own, before a cruel hamstring injury effectively shut down his impact.
However, it would be difficult for the boisterous and over-exuberant Springboks’ fans to argue any doubts about their team’s loss.
They need to be reminded that premature celebrations should only be permitted until the 81st minute, when the game is sealed in the bag, not when their team is only one point ahead barely 20mins into the game.
Getting over-excited gets you nowhere, especially when the All Blacks are in town.
Unlike the debacle at Auckland, when an array of indiscretion cards were handed out by French referee Romain Poite, Welshman Nigel Owens this time could only find faults in the All Blacks, with the sin-binning of Liam Messam and Ben Franks during the second half, the latter via a dumb attempt of a swinging arm.
Coach Steve Hansen threw his radio mouth piece in disgust.
The South Africans could only smirk although hulking prop Tendai Mtawarira surprisingly escaped a harsher penalty when he rammed his shoulder into Richie McCaw – who wasn’t even looking – flush in the face at a ruck.
The ultra-tough and indestructible McCaw could only rise to his feet in bewilderment and carry on like only he does.
Nothing fazes the greatest All Blacks’ captain – he just can’t be bothered anymore – yet proves that he is certainly not a protected species as some naysayers continue to ramble on about.
McCaw even seized a would-be turnover that was ignored by Owens to award a penalty for not releasing. Half his luck.
To return from a knee injury that even younger players would surrender their whole season to, McCaw continues to defy belief in playing the full 80 minutes and ensuring a deserving win, courtesy of his indisputable leadership and presence.
Messam was superb not only in savouring two tries of his own, but the outstanding Chiefs’ skipper was also instrumental in twice destabilising the Springboks’ strength – the maul.
Kieran Read was fittingly man-of-the-match, with his usual bustling runs and powerful defence, stealing a couple of turnovers on top of an admirable all-round performance.
The tight five steadied the ship, with props Tony Woodcock and Charlie Faumuina even tackling like dobermans, while tall timbers Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick stood over their counterparts and diffused any situation that potentially could have led to mayhem.
Hooker Andrew Hore should re-read the new manual of the laws of rugby union, since he embarrassingly conceded silly penalties thinking he would out-smart the referee with his old-school tricks.
I must admit to being somewhat bemused that Keven Mealamu was not even considered, yet there was a controversial incident during actual play, when officials suddenly questioned his name being on the teamsheet (an inexcusable over-sight by New Zealand Manager Darren Shand, might I add).
Aaron Cruden was quiet by his standards and he will regret his unforced-error that led to one of Habana’s tries.
Beauden Barrett meanwhile came on and carried out another fantastic display, scoring a much-needed try at a crucial moment and also saving one, after he sprinted from a mile to run down the dangerous Willie le Roux who was heading for the corner unopposed.
Aaron Smith has improved his own game dramatically to overtake both Fourie du Preez and Will Genia to be the world’s best halfback.
As the ebony and ivory combination since Bernie Fraser and Stu Wilson, veterans Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith showed why they hold the world record of their midfield partnership with the hardcore values in the backline structure that they maintain with absolute calmness and composure.
Yet without the world’s best five-eighth in Dan Carter, halfback Smith, Nonu and fullback Israel Dagg shared the various kicking game with aplomb.
‘The Bus’ Julian Savea was in the thick of it all day and he would be satisfied with his input despite being the only winger on the field not to get over the try line.
The All Blacks juggernaut later this year will once again crush and demolish their awaiting European opponents, including a sojourn in Japan.
The England fixture in London is obviously marked down for revenge after last year’s humiliating defeat by the cocky Poms. It’s payback time.
With an already cluttered files of an extremely proud history, the extraordinary accomplishments of the All Blacks continues as they are well and truly on its’ way to being the first team to go through the entire year undefeated.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.