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In what has been recognised as one of the most brutal and punishing Test matches of recent times, the All Blacks once again showed why they are the rugby kings of the world.
Their sensational 29-15 bonus point victory over the Springboks was not necessarily a true reflection of the class between these powerful nations.
But it’s All Blacks first, daylight second.
They even fluffed a few tries, yet were still dominant in many aspects.
Kieran Read will rue the moment he missed an opportunity to score a hat-trick, a rarity to achieve such a feat in the most gruelling of matches.
Amazing scenes followed the very first scrum, when the mammoth South African pack won the early stoush in putting the All Blacks under immense pressure.
It immediately led to some ridiculous over-the-top pat on the backs as if it was game over, not to mention Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira attempting to create his own version of a one-man haka.
Strangely, there was not much high-fiving and excessive jubilation as the match wore on.
This is the prime example of why the All Blacks are so good.
Veteran loosehead Tony Woodcock and his partner in crime at the tight, Owen Franks, responded as only they can.
It was reminiscent of cricket’s Sir Richard Hadlee at the peak of his powers, when the poors sods who would whack the legendary bowler for a boundary or over the fence, Hadlee would come back and completely rattle their stumps the very next ball.
The All Blacks’ engine room similarly that it was merely a wake-up call in turning around a minor glitch and taking complete control of proceedings from the very next scrum.
Suddenly the Springboks pack were found back-pedaling and conceding more penalties than the New Zealand Warriors winning games.
Apart from their trademark maul resulting in an excellent try, South Africa had no answer to the All Blacks’ supreme fitness.
Despite the huge loss of captain Richie McCaw, and subsequently the unfortunate injury suffered by Dan Carter in the early stages – who was dealt with a legitimate hit from Springbok strongman, hooker Bismark de Plessis – the men in black were all over their nemeses.
It was testament to how they readied themselves for the onslaught, after a week of eager anticipation in witnessing two giants colliding in the cauldron.
The All Blacks continue the legacy with their advanced skills and innovation.
The lineout that led to Read’s first try is a classic example where if they needed to evolve and transform certain things around, they will execute it with confidence and accuracy.
The Springboks had absolutely no idea what had hit them, despite the wall of desperate defence.
Read has the knack of demanding the ball near the opposition try line, and who could argue when he is more than often unstoppable.
He possesses the typical fundamentals of a forward surging from that close – sturdy low body height, persuasive ball control, powerful leg drive and irrefutable determination.
There were massive accolades for several individuals, particularly the influence of long-term-goal skipper Read.
Others to shine were Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Sam Cane, Ben Smith and the brilliant impact off the bench from Beauden Barrett and Charles Piutau.
Unfortunately for Ma’a Nonu, he displayed exactly why the local Super franchises do not want to go near him.
He is undoubtedly a brilliant player at his best, but to continue his poor discipline resulting to yet another spell in the sin bin, perhaps he seriously need a to seek help because not much has changed regarding his attitude over the years.
His interview – albeit humorous – in sending his best wishes to the America’s Cup Team New Zealand was nothing short of immature and childish.
Let’s face it, we all used to behave like that, for sure, but way back in high school.
Sonny Bill Williams will only need to walk to his letter box to collect the coveted number 12 jersey. He has come a long way from being the most hated and despised sportsman, to the most admired and respected human being.
No guessing as to how much he has completely embarrassed the NRL, he is that good.
Unless Nonu can address his fast-falling reputation and whether he cares or not, he will continue to be ostracised, scorned and disliked.
Besides his usual brain-snaps, Nonu had a mixed-game, although he played more as self-centred than an inside centre.
Nevertheless, it was a marvellous team performance, with Conrad Smith, Sam Whitelock and Liam Messam aptly behaving as elder statesmen.
But the over-riding fact is a lot of people tend to overlook the reason why the All Blacks are still the best team in the world.
Coach Steve Hansen thoroughly deserves his share of the limelight and credit where it’s due.
He has prepared a fantastic era right from the word go, in developing up-and-coming youngsters like Julian Savea, Cane, Barrett, Piutau, Dane Coles, Steven Luatua, Francis Saili and TJ Perenara.
Even an unheard-of tutoring of hookers galore coming into the squad on separate occasions to ply their trade and familiarise with the systems while the elders the calibre of Keven Mealamu and Andrew Hore are still around.
We should be grateful the All Blacks are ahead of schedule, knowing there should hardly be any concerns when even the greatest and finest players in McCaw and Carter are not, or will not, be available anymore.
There’s a reason why rugby league legend Laurie Daley, coach of NSW’s State of Origin team, flew over to observe and absorb the training methods and the environment requiring out-and-out strict disciplinary culture and absolute professionalism.
Hansen should be commended for his impressive record, thus far.
Long may it continue.
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.