John Drake: World Cup template set - now the fine tuning

The win against Scotland has completed an outstanding season for New Zealand rugby on and off the field.

Although the victory was achieved, the accuracy and style produced by this All Black test XV was below the high standards set and achieved by the collective group during the season.

The conditions were tough, but only the likes of Richie McCaw and Piri Weepu showed the skills and mentality to play above the prevailing conditions.

For others, it may be a while, if ever, before they get another starting chance.

For me, this season has firmly shown how Graham Henry, Steve Hansen, Wayne Smith and Sir Brian Lochore intend operating through to the 2007 World Cup.

Selections will be well reasoned and while class is recognised, form will be the deciding factor. With the depth growing in most positions, even the likes of Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Aaron Mauger, Byron Kelleher, Keven Mealamu and Conrad Smith are not guaranteed places against the best opposition.

The concept of weekly wholesale test selection changes has worked with victories and the growth of depth.

However, I think this policy will be refined further next season with the core group playing together more regularly.

This season Henry and co targeted the Lions as the biggest of the year's battles.

Next year the Tri-Nations will be contested with vigour, but it will be next season's end-of-year tour with matches against France (twice), England and Wales that Henry will be eyeing as the dress rehearsal for the World Cup.

Even this far out, I wouldn't expect to see too many changes of team selection for the French and England internationals.

Just as the Lions were set down as the prime target, so will the French and English next year, as recent internationals have shown this is where the real competition will be.

South Africa and Australia will be there, but for me, France and England are both teams that are capable of deflating the growing All Black bubble.

So, congratulations to the New Zealand Rugby Union for recognising this by putting the All Blacks against the best and better still touring/staying in France for an extended period next November.

The trophy cabinet is chock-full and an historic Grand Slam achieved, but it has been the development of the forward play - particularly at set pieces, an attack which sensibly uses this country's natural athletic talent, and a defence which is organised and ruthless that is most pleasing.

There is now a definite style and pattern to this All Black team, or whichever one takes the field.

Add the increased depth in most positions, the spreading of leadership and competitive edge brought by selections and all seems well for the future.

Issues which need to be addressed will be a replacement both as a player and a leader should Tana Umaga call it quits. McCaw is the chosen one, but the continued worry over his various concussions is a concern.

While there are leaders within the team, who would step up to the top job should both Umaga and McCaw be gone?

Another focal point will be the ability of this group to maintain growth. For now, this team are ahead of the rest in many areas. It will require further development to keep the edge. If they do no more than remain at their present level, it will not be enough to win the World Cup.

So a great season for all sorts of reasons, and supporters can rest easy for the summer. However, for Henry and co, the search for increased excellence will need to continue if this year's success is to be carried on.

You can be certain not one day will go past without the All Blacks brains trust not thinking about 2007, even after a year like 2005.

* John Drake is a former All Black prop.