Some of the noises coming out of South Africa this week would have you believe the white flag is already being waved, but the All Blacks won't be falling into that trap; they're smarter than that.
Whatever is said before the game means little. You can take what you like out of all the pre-game talk, but the story will be told on Saturday night.
The big question is, though: where do the All Blacks go from here? After putting 57 points on South Africa in Albany, and holding them to zero, the hope is New Zealand carry on from where they left off. They must also look for improvement, which won't be easy as it was near-on the perfect game they played.
If we look back to Bledisloe I when the All Blacks put on that great first half but then dropped away in the second half in the first Test; they then went to Dunedin and were very nearly beaten by the Australians. I think that knowing the way the All Blacks management have worked and operated all year, it's that second game - against a particular Test nation - that is more important than the one that has been and gone.
New Zealand need to make a statement, while South Africa at home are going to be a tough ask. The Boks are not going to be the same team that was embarrassed in Albany, they're going to be up for it. But if the All Blacks can turn up with the right mindset they should win again.
The Argentina Test at the weekend turned out to be a reminder that there is still work to be done, even if it did involve some of the less experienced All Blacks. The All Blacks made a great start; there were some really nice touches in the game early on but then they dropped away.
The second half was just a lot of mistakes and errors which was a mental thing. How frustrating for a team that is so clearly the best in the world...it's almost like they get bored with the opposition. It's like 'we've got this one won'. It almost became tiresome to watch in the second half.
But there were some sublime tries in the first half. There were some great touches and it was nice to see Waisake Naholo come back from injury to score a try. Damian McKenzie, meanwhile, was just absolutely electric. For a little guy to get out there and play like that, he's got serious x-factor.
Beauden Barrett once again put his class on the game and just showed what he's capable of doing.
The platform was laid down up front and fair dues to the likes of Scott Barrett and Luke Romano in the engine room, and new props Nepo Laulala and Kane Hames. Hames responded well this week and along with Laulala and Dane Coles, the All Blacks' tight five dominated the Argentinians who had no answer. Winning the battle up front allowed the likes of Barrett, McKenzie and Naholo to work their magic out wide.
The All Blacks scrum was almost unstoppable while the days of the Argentinians having such a dominant set-piece are long gone. The Pumas are miles off the pace at the moment. They've got big men but the All Blacks are just that much better. I think South Africa are, too, they're probably the best two scrums around at the moment.
Kieran Read led really well but I think he was bloody lucky just to get a yellow card. He was apologising before the referee had blown the whistle; he knew what was going on. Read certainly dodged a bullet there which I'm sure a few people will be a little bit upset about.
When the All Blacks can go away from a Test match and look at their scorecard having won convincingly and still not be happy just goes to show the clear gap there is between them and the rest of the world.
It is interesting with the All Blacks having left several top players at home just how acceptable the limited rotation that is being employed has become. Graham Henry only needed to mention the word rotation and there would be a hue and a cry. But now it seems like it is part and parcel of the game, and it's why the All Blacks are so good because there is clear depth coming through.
A lot of players with talent have come and gone, but never got an opportunity to wear the All Black jersey even though they were good enough. In some cases it was because the guy there in front was not about to give up the jersey. Steve Hansen's management team have identified that they do need to plan for the future, they know they need to give guys a chance because you can never predict when and where injuries will strike the top squad.
There is no guarantee you are always going to be there. You could have an injury at training or anything could happen, and they have to prepare for life without players they have come to rely on. You only have to look at the way the All Blacks successfully negotiated the departures of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Co. That was a seamless transition.
It is a formula that has taken years to get right in relation to the Super Rugby franchises and the preparation of players for the All Blacks. The All Blacks coaches don't step on the Super Rugby coaches' toes, although there is a sharing of knowledge and a really good relationship there. In the past, the relationship hasn't always worked that well and there is a chance players could be over-worked. It is a case of finding the balance. But I think the balance is very good at the moment.
It's not about the franchises having to play the same style as the All Blacks; they still have their unique styles. The Crusaders, defensively, were outstanding and the hallmark of the Blues' game, when it is firing, is the flair that is put to use. The Chiefs are a little more structured, while the Highlanders and Hurricanes each have their own styles. But they are all consistently working on their skills and that is what gets married into the All Blacks' game so effectively.