Clinging to a two-point lead 10 minutes after the break, the All Blacks went to another level to run out 57-22 winners against Argentina in Hamilton on Saturday night
They are known for their strong finishes, but the All Blacks were particularly rampant during the final 30 minutes on this night.
Some changes early in the second half saw the intensity lift, while Argentina wilted. The All Blacks proceded to run in five tries, all from the top drawer. Julian Savea was back to his destructive best, Ben Smith crossed the white wash twice, while Beauden Barrett showed his class, destroying the Pumas' defence in one devastating 10 minute spell.
The decision-making was outstanding, the running angles too much to handle and timing of the passes almost perfect. In the end the All Blacks simply had too much all over the park and Argentina could not contain them.
Yet the score was probably deceiving. For 50 minutes this was arguably the All Blacks' toughest work out of the year.
Argentina brought their A-game, playing at pace and using the ball in space. They crossed for the first try in the second minute and stuck with the All Blacks, who scored three tries in the first half, as the lead see-sawed until halftime.
At the breakdown they tore in, attacking the ball and making the All Blacks pay when they were slow in support. They weren't afraid to use the ball either and the All Blacks found themselves under a lot of pressure in the first 40. That saw them concede a lot of penalties, four of which Argentina converted into points.
But the home side was able to score three first half tries of its own. Those, alongside a long-range penalty from Israel Dagg, saw them hold onto a 24-19 lead at the break.
When Argentina kicked a fifth penalty 10 minutes into the second half, the All Blacks found themselves with a fight on their hands at 24-22. The question was always going to be how they would respond and they did so in emphatic fashion.
It sent a scary message to opponents. You can play that well for 50 minutes and still concede 57 points to this All Blacks team. They are a team you have to play for the full 80 against, but that is easier said than done as the quality of the All Blacks bench and their superior fitness shows through time and time again.
An injury to Sam Cane, which saw the openside flanker leave the field after 45 minutes, will be the All Blacks main concern in the wash up.
But they will march on confidently to face South Africa next week, now holding a 43 game unbeaten streak at home.
New Zealand 57 (J. Savea, B. Smith (2), B. Barrett, R. Crotty (2), C. Faumuina, L. Romano tries; B. Barrett 6 cons; I. Dagg pen; A. Cruden con)
Argentina 22 (S. Cordero tries; N. Sanchez cons, 4 pens).
Halftime: 24-19.