After wrapping up the season by beating France to earn a 13th win in 14 matches on Saturday, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen immediately turned his thoughts to next year's highly anticipated British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.
A first loss in 111 years to Ireland, who also beat Australia, and the performances of an improving Scotland and an impressive England under Eddie Jones on the November end-of-season tours has underscored the challenge his team will face next June.
Only one Lions side has been successful in New Zealand: the 1971 side coached by Carwyn James enthralled crowds with a toughened pack and mercurial backline. However, Hansen said next year's version would be incredibly tough to beat.
"They are probably going to be the best Lions team to come down for a long time, with what they have got to select," Hansen told reporters in Paris.
He said he was planning a pre-season camp for about 40 players in January to assess fitness levels.
"It will allow them to go into Super Rugby in the best nick that we can possibly get them into at that point," added Hansen.
"Sometimes you get the luxury of allowing players to go through the June series and getting them in the right condition. They have got to turn up in the right condition.
"We just can't afford anyone to be behind the eight ball in June."