Praise from their Rugby Championship rivals is barely registering with the All Blacks, who say they can go to another gear.
It’s only one round in but the world champions already look capable of pulling off a third successive clean sweep of the Sanzaar competition following the 38-13 humbling of Australia in Sydney.
It will take something special to halt Steve Hansen’s men, who are short-priced favourites to repeat the dose at their Eden Park stronghold on Saturday and tuck the Bledisloe Cup away for another year.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus admits the New Zealanders are on another level.
Following his team’s 34-21 defeat of Argentina in Durban, Erasmus said the All Blacks’ first-up display was “awesome”.
“We are chasing them, everyone is chasing them,” Erasmus told reporters.
“It wasn’t like they had a settled team. Sonny Bill (Williams) didn’t play, they had changes in the pack, a new tighthead making a debut off the bench. It was an unbelievable performance by them.”
New Argentina coach Mario Ledesma agreed it would be difficult to stop New Zealand winning a sixth Rugby Championship crown from seven editions.
“Last year South Africa played the perfect game against them in the Rugby Championship and still lost. We hope they don’t run us over but it will be hard,” Ledesma said.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith played down the plaudits, pointing out faults that would become a focus this week.
At the top of the list was a failure to make inroads with moves directly from scrums and lineouts.
Australia’s defence shut those down but was found wanting when the All Blacks turned over ball.
“You just have to look at our set piece attack, firstly. It was pretty average and we got nothing off that,” Smith told reporters.
“It’s pretty disappointing but there’s an opportunity this week to fix it.
“If given the chance, I know there’s a few of us who’d like the opportunity to make it a lot better.”
Old Bugger
Guest
Cheers mate and agree on the injury front but, that start in BC2 last year was a wake-up call if ever, I'd seen one. To be down 19-0 after 15mins or something like that was unbelievable - heck, I just managed to get myself a cuppa and the WBs were in - then before I had me first sip, they were in again. This was the example I was referring to after the runaway train in Sydney last year, the ABs came out in Dunedin still wearing their sleep-shades - either that or they didn't clock in hence my comment above. Let's hope the EP fortress will get the lads up and ready.....otherwise, 24-25yrs of history could be washing down the you-know-where.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Little bit different last year with the Lions and a heavier injury list OB. At least this week the pack as far as I know is intact so the foundations still there for the next one. That should be enough to create opportuinities for those replacing Reiko and Crotty...Goodhue and ALB look a good midfield option and the could bring in any of Barrett, Bridge, NMS out wide. Mentally I agree though, but I think weve got much better cattle this year, and most of its in form.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Always this new wave that comes through with the All Blacks. I agree he’s the new Conrad smith. He’s pretty big too. 6’2. He’s such a big find since the All Blacks having been lacking in the midfield. The tried combos are always changing mainly through injury. Australia looked good for the first 35. Finishing touches and set piece missing. With a new coach with steady selections I wonder how good they could get. Under Deans they were clearly number 2 in the world. It seems Cheika is doing a lot of things right but missing the genius to take them to the level they need. I don’t think Cheika will challenge the All Blacks. But we will see this Saturday. They came back well last year so who knows.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
The team is really taking shape. It’s pretty firm who’s in. Perhaps midfield there’s a couple of options. It was definitely SBW and Crotty but injuries, Goodhue’s impressive form, skill and size changes that. It’s going to be one of the best squads ever come RWC.
Fionn
Guest
Agreed, Jokerman. He looks like an excellent inside centre and perhaps can even grow into a replacement for Conrad Smith (if that is possible!). Painful as a Wallabies fan, but nice to see as a rugby fan.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Goodhue is definitely has the advantage. It’s just what the All Blacks needed. Crotty and SBW are injury prone and the All Blacks needed another option. If things keep moving as they are Goodhue should cement his starting centre position for the RWC.
Old Bugger
Guest
Not to be disrespectful but, the key improvement for the ABs is to make sure the top 2" of every player, have hit the "reset buttons" and last week's effort, has been archived. If not, then they will have forgotten about their effort in last year's BC2 game and definitely the loss, in BC3. This upcoming event should be treated as a new start not just in game tactics and physicality but also, in having the correct mind-set and mental approach. Get that aspect working and your decisions regarding those game tactics should be much easier to apply because it would be odds-on that the coaching panel, will introduce new tactics that will be different, to what transpired in BC1.
taylorman
Roar Guru
ALB was just as impressive in replacing Crotty and fitted in like a glove. Passed and took options well. Ive seen more good things from ALB than Goodhue at this point, albeit from previous matches. Good thing is if these two are seconds to Hansens favoured SBW and Crott6 combo then we’re in good hands.
Roger
Guest
Thank God, foolishly I'd thought the problem was with our team ?
Roger
Guest
God I'd love to be able to call bs... Unfortunately I think you're right.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yeh bluffboy, you could also throw Rob Thompson into the mix as well mate.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Hansen mentioned that Aso was a player they would have bought on apart from his wrist injury as well.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
They also pillage the islands of all their talent too. Don't forget that one... I think that covers it?
Fionn
Guest
I don't see Hansen favouring ALB over Goodhue. Maybe it will be 12. SBW, 13. Crotty or 12. SBW, 13. Goodhue But I think ALB is well behind Goodhue in Hansen's eyes.
bluffboy
Guest
Longer term yes I think so. I still think that Hanson will favour SBW and ALB when he can leading into and during the WC. But with Crotty, Goodhue and Lamape there isn't to much to complain about is there. Procter isn't far behind them IMO as well and has to be on the radar.
Ben
Guest
Yup...the ref, theyre ch3@+s and they unfairly do a haka. Can somebody please change the record....
Dave
Guest
Waaaah Waaaah, cry me a river, sook
FastEddy
Roar Rookie
Room for improvement ? Sure is, especially when normal rules simply do not apply to one team ... possible the one in black ... The only time anyone has a chance against them is when they're reffed properly ... WB's were truly atrocious is second half - lost their brain.
Fionn
Guest
I wonder whether we might have seen the future longterm All Blacks midfield, unless Laumape improves his skill set. Given the injuries to Crotty and SBW again and again I do wonder whether these guys might be the future.
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
Everyone was talking up the wallabies first half performance: They were OK; but the ABs were terrible, extremely rusty and in my opinion one of their worst halves of footy for many a year! Wallabies of yesteryear would have put 20 plus on them.... unfortunately this Wallaby team just isn't good enough. It's like watching men vs boys! Eden Park.... could by 60-0.