"Someone like Johnathan Thurston, who is the pinnacle of the game in this position, will retire at a time when these two still have many years in front of them. They could take it to a level where they could dominate internationally for the Kiwis."
Former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott, who oversaw talents like Jones and Henry and Robbie Paul, is also excited about the future.
"They are one of the best - if not the best - halves combinations coming through in international league," Endacott said. "The Kiwis should be well served for years to come. It's a scary proposition for opposition teams. You know Australia and England will continue to produce quality halves but I can see a five-year period when Kieran and Shaun will dominate."
It would be a unique situation for the Kiwis.
Clayton Friend and Olsen Filipaina were a dynamite combination but together for little more than a year. In his prime, Freeman could match up to anyone, but partners such as Tony Kemp, Kelly Shelford and Gene Ngamu weren't the right piece in the jigsaw.
Jones and Robbie Paul should have been the halves pairing for a decade - the two came through the grades together, playing for Auckland representative teams and the Junior Kiwis - but combined in only seven tests as Paul was based in the Northern Hemisphere.
Henry Paul presented a similar problem.
And Marshall and Foran, for whatever reason, never really clicked together.
"Kieran and Shaun complement each other well and that is crucial," Endacott said. "Shaun is the flamboyant half, the quick feet - although he is becoming an organiser, too. Kieran is the steady hand, provides the composure and is a tough defender."
Johnson and Foran are also close off the field. They roomed together during the Four Nations and spent spare moments in their Brisbane hotel plotting how to take down the Kangaroos.
Johnson's high kicks have tormented opposition fullbacks and wingers, and Foran is invariably one of the first chasers there.
On different occasions during the tournament, they have stepped up for the team - Johnson's running game was electric in Brisbane and Foran guided the Kiwis through difficult moments at the start of each half.
Johnson was down a notch against Samoa - Foran was one of the best on the field - before they both rose to the occasion in Dunedin last week. There are areas to improve - fifth-tackle plays have been a weakness - but they are gelling.
"We have come straight back together for this tournament and hit it off," Johnson said. "I think we are combining better than at any time in the past. It's all about time on the field together - you can't beat it, you can't train it. Until you are out there battling with him, to know what play he likes, know what he likes when the opposition are doing a certain move, that's when you learn."
Though both are given a roaming role at times, Foran is usually responsible for attack on the left edge while Johnson tries to create havoc on the right.
"We have a good understanding now," Johnson said. "I'll organise a play on the back of his because I know he is going to give me ball. It's just a feel thing and you get that from spending time together. Hopefully - not just for this Four Nations - we can carry it on and get some success going."
