Sixteen days after leaving the country under a cloud of public anxiety, the All Blacks returned yesterday with smiles which could light up the nation.
Record-breaking 50-point performances against South Africa and Australia left the supposed unsmiling giants of world rugby overjoyed.
"The guys are pretty ecstatic," captain Reuben Thorne said after
the 50-21 caning of the Wallabies.
"We are certainly pleased with the result" said coach John Mitchell, with telling understatement.
Not only were there seven tries to celebrate from that game, but the two emphatic away victories will reset the rugby debate onto stars, style and success, rather than the prevailing negatives of two weeks ago.
Hopes for October-November's World Cup have soared.
One controversy remains, though. The players and New Zealand Rugby Union are still well apart in negotiations over a World Cup winning bonus payment.
The union confirmed at the weekend that the average annual salary of All Blacks is around $300,000, with the top players getting about $450,000, and that the players want over $100,000 each if they win the cup as against the $50,000 on offer.
The six-figure target remains well short of what rivals have been promised.
French players stand to pocket $390,000, Australians $225,000 and South Africans $220,000.
On current All Black form, the chances of a bonus payment being necessary are increasing.
Which, if sense prevails, could have everyone laughing all the way to the bank.
Bonus Or Bust
The All Blacks want a bigger bonus for winning the World Cup. The Rugby Union has offered $50,000. The players want about $120,000. What do you think they should get?
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