He's doing a good, competent job, with the occasional flash of brilliance - rustling up an especially tasty Big Mac for example.
But does that mean he should be signed up as head chef at a three-star Michelin restaurant?
Not likely. In fact, it would never happen.
But that is what so many are forgetting as the drums beat for the return of Aaron Cruden to the All Blacks.
Sure, Cruden has played well for Manawatu and did have an excellent game against Waikato last Saturday night. But he was delivering from a cheap smorgasbord.
Playing against a woeful Waikato team is completely different to taking on the Springboks in a World Cup.
The problem is, in the critical first five-eighth position after three years of auditions, no-one has put forward a compelling case to back up Dan Carter.
Carter is first, and it is not daylight second but the day, night, the next day and then until about mid-morning the following day before the back-up candidate comes into view.
The position was there for the taking for Colin Slade in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. But he fluffed it, forgot his lines and was dragged early.
One wonders if the three wise men still have any faith in him.
And the fact he got cramp halfway through the second half did not help his cause.
Slade may be given the red card and faith be put in Piri Weepu for the back-up role.
No-one else seems to be ready.
The only problem with that is, if Weepu is back-up does he not then start at halfback?
Jimmy Cowan is a quality halfback but does not have that X factor possessed by Weepu.
Elsewhere, the back three is a tricky equation.
Israel Dagg must be in along with Mils Muliaina, while the wingers are a tough pick.
The selectors have always liked Sitiveni Sivivatu and Isaia Toeava, and Hosea Gear may be too tough to leave out. That is hard on Cory Jane and Zac Guildford but you can not have four wingers.
The midfield picks itself and halfback has become clear-cut, although Andy Ellis still has his question marks.
The selectors marked their cards early in the loose forwards and it is hard to see them changing now. They simply did not think any of the candidates to back up Richie McCaw were up to standard.
Victor Vito may get a look in, though he and Liam Messam are much the same. Messam runs around a lot, takes the ball up hard but never seems to achieve much. It appears test rugby may be a bridge too far for the Waikato loosie. Loose forwards always have a high attrition rate so Vito may be a lucky inclusion.
Adam Thomson is going to be a jack of all sorts but the top three are clear-cut.
Anthony Boric may not have played for more than two months but he is scheduled to front on Friday night for North Harbour and having played so well last year he may win out over Jarrad Hoeata.
Tony Woodcock had an average comeback in the black jersey at the weekend but his track record can not be ignored. Wyatt Crockett will probably be the unlucky one to miss out.
Hika Elliot has been playing well at hooker for Hawkes Bay and the selectors seem to have forgotten his efforts last year.
Corey Flynn has barely been sighted all season in the black jersey so in that regard has done nothing wrong.
So in these 30 are the ones we trust.
Now cross all appendages, turn towards Mecca and start praying.
The squad will be named in Brisbane at 2pm today . For full analysis of the squad see tomorrow's Otago Daily Times.
All Black squad
Hepburn's prediction
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Hosea Gear, Isaia Toeava, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Dan Carter, Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis, Jimmy Cowan
Forwards: Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Adam Thomson, Victor Vito, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Anthony Boric, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodock, John Afoa, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Corey Flynn.
Lucky: Liam Messam, Tony Woodcock, Isaia Toeava, Andy Ellis.
Unlucky: Colin Slade, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane, Matt Todd, Jarrad Hoeata.
Bolter: The days of someone like Wayne Neville making the All Blacks from nowhere are long gone. We live in an age where 20 schoolboy games are televised every year.
Everyone with any ability is assessed, rated and discussed. And that is before they make their first-class debut. Perhaps Matt Todd may get a look-in as he has played well for Canterbury all season. Or Luke Braid. Sam Cane looks a goer.
Maybe even young Beauden Barrett could be a slim chance but the selectors are unlikely to take a punt on youth.
