Are the All Blacks over-programmed, did they have one of those off-days every team has, were they too bullish for their own benefit or did they stall because the conditions and an improving Wallaby team delivered an antidote to their ambition?
Perhaps their age, kilometres in those legs and a fondness for friendlier conditions entered the equation in Sydney. What about their vintage though.
When the All Blacks failed to back up their initial World Cup triumph with a repeat crown in 1991, splintered coaching loyalty and age were isolated as factors behind their stale performance. Too slow, too laboured, too entrenched were some of the theories.
The Whetton twins and Richard Loe were 31, Steve McDowall, Graham Purvis, Kieran Crowley and Andy Earl were 30 and current selector Grant Fox a pup at 29. It was an experienced squad but hardly one that fitted into the old age pensioner category.
That group had nothing on the current mob with four past their century of caps although Tony Woodcock and Daniel Carter have gone into rehab. If everyone survives to trek off to Europe next year to defend their Webb Ellis title, nine of the All Blacks will be older than Gary and Alan Whetton who were just shy of 32 at the 1991 tournament.
Keven Mealamu would be the grandpappy at 36 followed by Richie McCaw, Woodcock and Conrad Smith all 34, Carter and Ma'a Nonu who will be 33 and Wyatt Crockett, Cory Jane, and Jerome Kaino who will be the 32-year-old youngsters.
There is nothing wrong with a Dad's Army clan doing battle, especially when the All Blacks' schedule shows a solitary awkward pool game against Argentina before the playoffs.
Experience on many fronts is a boost to combat mental fatigue in those lengthy drawn-out tournaments while youthful legs and pliant frames are useful when faced with a string of sudden-death matches.
Tonight is a stage for these All Blacks to show they have the game, the frames and the strategies to carry through to their World Cup defence.
