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A few years ago the thought of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter getting injured was one that rattled New Zealanders deeply.
Devoid of their talismanic captain and their world class fly half was something no All Black fan wanted to think about: a scenario that would no doubt have left New Zealand sorely weakened.
However, that nightmare has happened, with the results working out far better than anyone could have imagined leaving New Zealand well placed for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The depth within New Zealand is vast and the New Zealand rugby union (New Zealand Rugby Union) must be applauded for this, as their strategy for developing young talent has been spot on.
The staple behind the talented depth New Zealand possesses is the ITM Cup – the excellent end product of the New Zealand Rugby Union investing into grassroots rugby.
With young players developing in the ITM Cup it allows them to step up into the provincial fold and play for one of the five New Zealand franchises in Super Rugby.
It gives talented young Kiwis a chance to shine and possibly earn themselves a call up to the national team.
Throughout this process several young players, which in recent years broke into the New Zealand squad, have performed well when filling in for injured players or those that have decide to retire.
The young players to break into the New Zealand set up recently: Sam Cane, Francis Saili, Steven Luatua, Beauden Barrett and Charles Piutau have played in the ITM Cup. In addition, young players who have established themselves into the All Blacks set up, like Julian Savea and Aaron Cruden made their debuts in New Zealand’s second tier competition.
Of those five players I previously mentioned four have had solid debuts with two making a real impression against South Africa at Eden Park.
Sam Cane was brilliant, as he cut a bloodied figure with blood oozing down his face, which merely highlighted his determination shown by the fact he made eight tackles and missed none whatsoever.
Beauden Barrett was solid after replacing Dan Carter, who got injured as a result of a monstrous tackle by Bismarck du Plessis, which was wrongly punished with a yellow card.
He had a good game and contributed with a line break that would lead to Brodie Retallick’s try.
Cruden andamp; Barrett are the prime candidates to contest the No.10 jersey after Dan Carter hangs his boots.
While the young forwards of Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick, coupled with the veteran warhorses of Kieran Read and Owen Franks, solidify the pack it is in the backs where their talents are lethal.
It is certainly a impenetrable force at times.
The creative brilliance of Dan Carter. Ben Smith’s inclusion into the All Black squad rewarded with a flurry of tries. Julian Savea going from strength to strength with his deadly strength and finishing.
Conrad Smith’s wily rugby brain adding experience to the back line and Israel Dagg cementing himself as the world’s best full back.
However, though the All Blacks look unstoppable at times, they are not impenetrable.
Argentina managed to grab an early lead in Hamilton with the Pumas showing New Zealand’s scrum is fallible. Meanwhile, the Springboks gave the All Blacks a good game, before du Plessis’ controversial yellow card changed the game.
In addition, England was able to surprise Steve Hansen’s men at Twickenham in December 2012, brilliantly beating them 38-21. Though it was the last game of the All Blacks’ season England were able to take their chances and to beat New Zealand you must take whatever opportunities you have.
While the New Zealand Rugby Union deserves credit with their strategy of creating talented depth praise must also go to Steve Hansen.
He has continued the good work following Sir Graham Henry’s triumph at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Hansen has risen to the daunting task of being All Blacks coach by adding exciting young players within the experienced squad and look like favourites to retain the Rugby Championship.
At the moment the New Zealanders look like favourites to defend their World Cup title in 2015.
However, although in the past they have been favourites in previous World Cups and have choked, this team look the real deal with their exciting blend of proven veterans and talented youth. The All Blacks are already preparing for 2015 and look good.
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.