The All Black selectors named their squad yesterday to go to the Rugby World Cup in Japan next month and though there was the odd eyebrow-raiser it was all fairly predictable.
Prop Owen Franks was a surprise omission while the soap opera over the selection of Liam Squire reached an end. Squire will stay at home but will head over to Japan if needed.
There are 12 players back from the team which won the tournament in England four years ago.
As for the southern connections, there are two Otago players in the team - hooker Liam Coltman and outside back Ben Smith. Both are Highlanders as is halfback Aaron Smith, who is from Manawatu.
With just the three players in the All Black squad, the Highlanders have the lowest contribution of the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises.
The Crusaders have the most at 11 - no surprise there.
But Super Rugby means nothing at this level. It is all about coming together as one and playing the very best.
It is about winning the key moments and, as All Black coach Steve Hansen said yesterday, handling the pressure.
For the country's sake, one hopes that for the 31 men in black the pressure brings out the best in the side.
Come September 21, the ball is in your court, gentlemen.