KEY POINTS:
Graham Henry's All Blacks yesterday provided the perfect answer to all those sad, glass half-empty-type wretches who continue to focus on the rotation policy rather than the team's compelling performance.
Needless to say, talk this morning will almost certainly revolve around, not the All Black's sublime effort against
France yesterday, but whether Henry is right to keep changing his troops.
You'd think the man's track-record so far might speak for itself.
But no - there's still a clan of troglodytes out there who insist that he must quit all this chopping and changing, and quickly show us his "A" team.
Never mind that Henry hasn't got a first XV but something much better - an interchangeable squad that can be tailor-made to match the strengths and weakness of each opponent.
Rather than putting all his eggs in one basket, he now has several options in each position and can use the flexibility to the team's best advantage, as we saw yesterday with a side containing 10 changes.
There's also the small business of the World Cup.
No one could deny that the All Blacks are the No 1 side in terms of test results, but the same cannot be said of their overall performance in tournament play.
And that's where Henry's gaze is now focused.
Tournaments are fundamentally different. They are compacted, played on neutral territory, and more often than not teams are unable to field their preferred combinations because of injury.
There is a need for contingencies, options.
Players who might have a role suddenly thrust upon them need to be adequately equipped with experience and confidence.
Much better to prepare for the unexpected than concentrate on a dream XV.
So, let's just say this once more, altogether: There isn't an A team.
But there is something much better.
It took Henry to cotton on to the fact, but with a Champions League-style squad in which all key personnel are covered by quality back-up players, the All Blacks have stolen a march on the rest of their rivals.
If their opponents don't have to face a Jerry Collins or Rodney So'oialo, they'll have to contend with a Chris Masoe or a Reuben Thorne.
If Byron Kelleher misses out, Piri Weepu will take over - and there are now a clutch of quality locks.
It's the same in the three-quarters; there are about three more than capable second five-eighths, and even the diamonds in the crown - Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter - have solid cover.
Surely the silliest comment in recent times has come from those who believe the changes have cheapened the value of the All Black jersey, apparently because more players are now receiving the opportunity to wear it.
Remarkable. Never mind that the present squad have taken the game to a new level, have promoted the All Black brand like no other, and have become the envy of just about every other rugby nation in the world.
And never mind that Henry has finally tapped into the one great New Zealand resource that most other countries don't have - depth, and in the process has probably unlocked the secret to on-going success.
In fact, it's hard to think of a time in recent memory when the All Black reputation has been so dominant and popular; or of a coaching reign that's caused quite as much excitement and anticipation.
If what happened yesterday is sullying the All Blacks name, then we can only hope it gets really trashed over the next couple of years.
High
Not only did Manchester United remain at the top of the Premiership with a 1-0 win against Blackburn yesterday, but Sky Television managed to break with tradition and screen the game live.
Low
Murray Mexted's rugby commentary - is anyone else over it yet?
