That strategy is being mulled over by the selectors as they sift ideas before revealing their World Cup group in the week leading into that Suncorp Stadium test.
World Cup rules mean the 30-strong squad has to be chosen by August 23, leaving the selectors with their next test against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth as their last chance to judge some candidates.
Wing Sitiveni Sivivatu fractured his left eye socket in Saturday's 30-14 victory and will miss the trip, with hints from coach Graham Henry that other experienced men will also be left behind.
It was a juggling act, Henry said yesterday as he and the team reflected on the quality of their work to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
If Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui, Isaia Toeava all survived some ITM Cup action this week they would travel, while loosehead prop Tony Woodcock would not play this week because of a strained hamstring but would travel and play in South Africa.
Another prop, John Afoa, looked like he would be cleared from his fractured eye socket to travel as hooker cover too in a squad Henry hoped would be cut to 24 players. If those reduced numbers covered all selection bases, the selectors would be content.
"There is no point in taking two extras over there if we are just going to blunt them and they are not going to play," he said.
The Crusaders had already endured a massive travel and playing itinerary this year and the selectors were keen to limit that as the World Cup approached. Some, however, would have to travel.
Five-eighths Colin Slade needed to start another test and Port Elizabeth might be the best stage as long as the versatile Piri Weepu was fit and healthy to be his understudy.
Henry said one loose forward was unlikely to be going to South Africa. That hints at McCaw's absence.
Liam Messam needs another audition, Adam Thomson will be better for the run, Jerome Kaino has agreed and Kieran Read will have to travel as No8 and probable captain.
"The World Cup team is picked several days after the test in Port Elizabeth so we have to finalise that and there are still some areas where people have to produce. I know that's ridiculous but it's a fact," said Henry.
The All Blacks reassemble on Thursday for a two-day camp in Auckland, where they will do all their tactical planning and training before leaving for South Africa on Saturday.
Henry would not be drawn on McCaw's likely absence, suggesting a wait-and-see approach until the squad naming on Friday. But his delight in McCaw's recent form showed he was ready and up to speed once more.
Henry also glowed about the All Blacks' latest victory. It had been an extremely quick match and patterns went a little awry as fatigue set in and subs came on. Assistant coach Wayne Smith had done a fine job with the backs and Henry thought the side's attitude and mentality was spot-on.
But he saw areas to improve; there was too much lost or bobbled lineout ball and scrum penalties that robbed the All Blacks of at least six useful starting moves.
Carter purred through his 82nd test on Saturday, running the attack with a stunning array of strikes, defending with grit, kicking with great accuracy and then, just for good measure, knocking over a tidy drop goal.
As he talked to the media about his evening's work, you could detect a bubbling glow of satisfaction as he picked over the match, saying he and the team had been very excited about it.
This is the bloke whose pulse might stagger over 40 beats a minute when he was really humming, the ice-cold temperament in the footy furnace.
"It was very satisfying we stepped up against a quality opposition," he said politely.
A comparison between Carter and Quade Cooper would have also meant a great deal to the All Black coaching staff. The All Blacks put the squeeze on Cooper and he looked flaky, while Carter whirred and purred round Eden Park. Had their roles been reversed, it is hard to imagine Carter buckling as Cooper did.
The template for the test was set by the pack, eight men imbued with team purpose, no egos, no cherry-picking manoeuvres, just plain old "roll the sleeves up and get going harder than before" attitude.
THE SCORES:
Bledisloe Cup
• All Blacks 30
Ma'a Nonu, Keven Mealamu, Sitiveni Sivivatu tries; Dan Carter 3 con, 2 pen, drop goal
• Australia 14
Digby Ioane, Rocky Elsom tries; Quade Cooper 2 con
• Halftime: All Blacks 17-0
