Sometimes, you don't know what you've got till it's gone.
Consider the case of Ma'a Allan Nonu, the dreadlocked midfield back set to miss the early All Black tests because of a knee injury suffered in the final round of the Super 14.
For years, the Hurricanes powerhouse was a favourite punching bag of the pundits and the press.
Too slow, too lacking in rugby intelligence, too predictable, no kicking game, prone to disciplinary issues ... he had nothing but faults, apparently.
Nonu certainly had limitations. He didn't have the vision and kicking ability of Aaron Mauger, or the classy playmaking skills of Walter Little, or the consistency and defensive solidity of Ian MacRae or Warwick Taylor.
But he was explosive, he was intimidating and he was one of the most regular line-breakers in world rugby.
And, by the end of last year, Nonu had started in the No 12 jersey in 25 of the last 29 tests. He was virtually unchallenged as the leading second five-eighth in the country. He'd played 46 tests over seven years, outstanding service in an era where loyalty has been rendered irrelevant by the pots of cash available overseas.
Those with a global view might have pointed to South Africa's Jean de Villiers as the premier inside centre in the game, or plugged the abilities of Australian star Berrick Barnes or French veteran Yannick Jauzion, but Nonu finally had more supporters than detractors.
Now he's gone, at least for the first three tests of the year, and it's time to consider the possible replacements.
It might not be strictly accurate to say the cupboard is bare - that applies more when you ponder who might back up the peerless Richie McCaw and Dan Carter in their respective positions - but it is certainly a little dusty.
The most likely candidates to wear No 12 against Ireland and Wales (twice) next month are Stephen Donald and Luke McAlister. Gulp. Donald is a worthy tradesman, a strapping five-eighth and a player in whom the All Black coaches have previously shown a lot of faith.
But he's played most of his rugby in the No 10 jersey, he doesn't have the pace or spark needed a place further out, and his career seems to have plateaued.
McAlister is the strangest case study. A rising star as a junior, he was tossed a few test caps at both first and second five before making the shock decision to head to England at the age of 24.
He lasted less than two years before coming back to revive his All Black career. But injuries, average form and a lingering sense that he just doesn't care enough hardly make him an automatic selection.
There are two fresh faces worth a look at some stage, with plenty of support for Blues midfielder Benson Stanley - nephew of former All Black centre Joe Stanley - and Crusaders midfielder Ryan Crotty.
Stanley has always shown promise and leadership, while Crotty was a Junior All Black last year but seems to have regressed slightly.
Other All Black second five contenders are bolting overseas: Tamati Ellison, Tim Bateman, Anthony Tuitavake and Daniel Bowden.
Jason Shoemark and Callum Bruce are not up to test standard, and the versatile Isaia Toeava has started tests at fullback, wing and centre, but never second five.
Shift Carter to 12 and look for another first five? Perhaps that might work as a stop-gap, but then the question is whether Donald, Mike Delany or flavour-of-the-moment Aaron Cruden can handle the No 10 jersey.
One final option could be pushing first-choice centre Conrad Smith in to second five - it worked for Tana Umaga - and giving Toeava or Rene Ranger a chance at centre.
