More than 30 years ago, the All Blacks went to the Land of the Rising Sun with a squad of big names in the form of John Kirwan, Grant Fox and the Whetton twins.
But there was also winger Paul Simonsson, a very green halfback in Graeme Bachop - who had yet to play for Canterbury - and Wairarapa-Bush prop Robbie McLean - no, never heard of him then or since.
Then in 2013, the side went back to Japan to play one test.
Beauden Barrett played at fullback, Ben Smith at centre, Frank Halai - anyone remember him - was on one wing, Richie McCaw played No8 and the locking combination was Dominic Bird and Jeremy Thrush. Luke Whitelock came off the bench to make his test debut.
So going to Japan always brings up a few surprises and the odd bolter.
But a quick look at the 51 players named yesterday to head north shows New Zealand rugby is perhaps not as deep in talent as many people think.
One thing is clear - take away the top three first five-eighths and there is daylight next.
Brett Cameron is tidy enough for Canterbury but these days the Mitre 10 Cup is light years away from test rugby.
Cameron looks good and accomplished in everything he does but is he any better than the likes of Bryn Gatland or Josh Ioane?
Actually as an aside, can anyone ever see Gatland making the All Blacks with Hansen in charge?
In 1987, when Bachop got the call-up there were a few comments down this way about the cheapening of the All Black jersey with the likes of Otago halfback Dean Kenny missing out.
You could put forward the same argument today.
Cameron needs a few more miles on the clock to earn a black jersey.
So do Reuben O'Neill and Asafo Aumua, who was a very premature selection last year.
And how does Brad Weber not get picked when he was dynamite for the Chiefs at the end of last season?
Highlanders loose forward Shannon Frizell misses out with a shoulder injury and that may be costly as just not playing is the biggest hindrance tp selection.
But the biggest head-scratcher is Matt Todd.
Those that support his inclusion can go on about his return to the Crusaders next year, undue loyalty over the years and knowing the environment.
But the rule is simple - if uou are playing overseas then sorry, no can do.
Sam Cane is injured so Todd has somehow come into consideration.
Sure, he is a good player. But he is playing overseas.
Todd made his choice and the consequence of that is non-selection for the All Blacks.
Sure a test cauldron in Twickenham is going to be hard for a rookie but it is the old adage - if that is who you have got, then that is who you have got.
Otago's James Lentjes may have been a chance but he was pushed out by Todd.
By selecting Todd, the door to letting in overseas players has opened ever so slightly.
And once that door gets open, then sorry - last one out, turn out the lights on New Zealand rugby.