In that match, won 8-7 by the All Blacks against France at Eden Park four years ago, defence reigned; the home side scoring through Tony Woodcock, who burst through a lineout in a move few of the players thought would work in a big match, and France responding in the second half through flanker Thierry Dusautoir, who slid in by the posts after running a nice line between Ma'a Nonu and Israel Dagg.
Apart from those two highlights, the test was rugby's version of trench warfare; it's hard to remember a clean break by the All Blacks in the second half, such was the French desire to send them back from whence they came.
And this is where Milner-Skudder becomes increasingly relevant. He doesn't have the experience or ability under the high ball that Cory Jane does - and Hansen is likely to pick either one or the other - but the little bloke originally from Taihape has the form, composure and fast feet required to break this World Cup open.
The All Blacks are often referred to as the most analysed team in rugby and in Milner-Skudder they have a player with a point of difference. In a position increasingly filled by big, powerful players, Milner-Skudder, a shade over 90kg, relies on getting around opponents rather than going through them, although he showed when scoring his second try on debut in Sydney that he doesn't lack strength.
In that he is a bit like Jane, who has been a fantastic performer for the All Blacks, but who has been struggling with an ankle injury. Jane doesn't have the size of many international wings either, but he has a knack for taking the right option and a fend like a claw hammer. However, Hansen has suggested he is unlikely to take players with niggling injuries. Will that count against Jane?
Milner-Skudder's performances for the All Blacks and Hurricanes this year have caught the attention of another groundbreaking wing Jonah Lomu, who told an interviewer from the Guardian newspaper that he believed Milner-Skudder was a star in the making.
"There's Nehe Milner-Skudder - the man is electric. He is lightning. If you give him too much space and too many options he will turn you inside out," Lomu said.
"He's an exciting machine to watch. He's not like your big wingers, he is lightning in a jar. He can step someone within 5 metres. It's a very good sign for New Zealand.
"The last guy I saw of that size and skill was [England wing] Jason Robinson. He's in that sort of calibre, turning guys inside out, and he's got a turn of pace to go with it."
Kicking will take precedence in the knockout matches, and this is an area where Milner-Skudder can make a difference as well.
Opposition teams will target him under the high ball, and he is competent in receiving under pressure should he have to. But if teams kick too deep, he has the potential to punish disorganised defences with his running game or create space for Ben Smith and Julian Savea to create their own brand of mayhem.
In saying he must be prepared to roll the dice, Hansen has spoken about taking only three specialist locks. He should also take the little force of nature - rugby's lightning in a jar. Nevermind the All Blacks, the World Cup would be better for it.
