As another All Black season comes to an end, rugby writer STEVE HEPBURN looks back on the year and asks if the side is ready for the big one that lies around the corner.
Such is the importance of the World Cup that the success of this year will be nothing if the side does not go on and do the deed next season.
Few other sports operate like that but this is rugby, and this is New Zealand.
Life hinges around one tournament every four years.
Until the All Blacks win it, the monkey will be firmly lodged on their back.
But there was plenty to admire about this year as the All Blacks scored 13 wins and one last-minute loss.
SIMPLY THE BEST
The All Blacks' win over the Springboks at Eden Park, a 32-12 thumping which set up the season.
Before the game everyone was praising the visitors, saying what a clever and engaging coach Peter de Villiers was.
That was destroyed with a mighty effort.
Beating Scotland 49-3 was also impressive, as was starting the year with a 60-point thrashing of Ireland.
As for players, skipper Richie McCaw was as good as ever.
But not far behind was No 8 Kieran Read, whose dynamism and all-round ability gave the All Blacks a real advantage.
Out the back, Dan Carter, excusing his poor game against the Welsh in Cardiff, nearly always made the right decisions and halfback Piri Weepu successfully returned from the wilderness.
Fullback Mils Muliaina also saw off all contenders for the custodian role.
BETTER THAN ALL THE REST
The best thing about this All Black side this year was just about everyone was in good form.
From prop Tony Woodcock to winger Cory Jane, they were at the top of their game.
Jimmy Cowan and Weepu moved themselves clear of other halfbacks while every new player came up to the mark.
BETTER THAN ANYONE
This All Black side is good but some of the opposition were, quite frankly, a rabble.
The Springboks were a year out of date in tactics and form.
Australia improved but still has big holes to fill.
And the teams in the northern hemisphere are good for perhaps 30 minutes.
The All Blacks were quality but the standard of the opposition has slipped.
WORK-ONS
The scrum was a mixed bag throughout but that was more to do with the officiating than the players.
The lineout went wonky at times and there is the question whether the side can grind out a win in a tight one.
But it did win a tough match in Soweto, and kept the Welsh at bay last weekend when many players had the beach on their mind.
GOODBYE
What is more likely - Moss Burmester sending Swimming New Zealand a Christmas card, or Stephen Donald getting back in the black jersey?Donald is past the use-by date at test level.
He may be joined on the exit ramp by Daniel Braid, Joe Rokocoko, Neemia Tialata and Alby Mathewson.
Also it would be good to see the end of the team not being named until late Thursday.
Put it back to Tuesday where it has always been.
WORK-ONS
As the players take a well-earned break, the coaches need to decide on who is next in line to audition for Carter's back-up, who will be the fourth lock, and whether Sonny Bill Williams starts or comes off the bench.
And forget about the so-called spies, nasty photographers and what Robbie Deans is saying.
THAT TROPHY
The thing about sport is no-one knows what is going to happen next.
Ever.
It is not like the movies when you know the guy is going to get the girl.
Or the brave American will beat the evil Russian.
Sport is about watching something which may look utterly predictable turn up the unexpected.
This time last year, tennis player Rafa Nadal looked washed up, could not win a game and had the knees of a 90-year-old.
But he came out this year and won three grand slams and finished as the clear No 1 ranked player in the world.
So no matter how good the All Blacks look at the moment, and they do look like the goods, nothing is guaranteed in sport.
Nothing at all.
That is why you watch.
