A mid-term report on the All Blacks at the conclusion of the one-off Irish test and the two-game series against England
Scrum: A
Everyone feared it would be a weak point with Carl Hayman gone and Tony Woodcock hobbling, especially with the traditionally physical northern invaders coming south.
But all fears have been assuaged.
Neemia Tialata and John Schwalger have been pleasant surprises and Greg Somerville has indicated he is up for one final year of service.
Andrew Hore has started at hooker in all three tests and seems to have usurped Keven Mealamu as the first choice.
It's not quite at the "Carl who?" stage but the coaches can be satisfied with the set piece.
Line-out: D
For disaster zone.
Just imagine what damage the All Blacks could do if they occasionally won their own ball.
Hooker throws, locks jump, props and loose forwards lift - it's not rocket science.
Serious remedial work needed before the Tri-Nations.
Attack: B
The All Blacks are ALWAYS the best attacking side in world rugby, or at least they have been for the past 20 years.
So we must judge them on their own lofty standards and not get too carried away.
Weather stymied their attack against Ireland but a rate of nine tries in two tests against England is more than reasonable.
Plenty of line-breaks, good support play and slick handling suggest the backline is humming.
But remember, it will be under more pressure against the Wallabies and Springboks.
Defence: B
Generally quite good, especially in the Irish test and the first halves of the English test.
Hard workers such as Brad Thorn and Rodney So'oialo have been accurate and tireless.
Most one-on-one tackling has been good but again will only be truly tested in a couple of weeks.
Star pupils: Ma'a Nonu has settled well to second five and will continue to flourish. Tialata has been an unexpected success at prop.
So'oialo, Thorn and Richie McCaw have been at the heart of everything.
But the head of the class is still Dan Carter.
Vive le genius.
Problem children: Andy Ellis remains far from convincing as a test-class halfback.
Passing is below standard and direction is lacking.
Mils Muliaina has been quiet.
Mealamu has had little impact off the bench other than shoddy line-out throwing.
New kids: Pick of the bunch is Adam Thomson, who has probably played his last game for Otago for some time.
Offers a point of difference and workrate has been impressive.
Richard Kahui made a fine debut at centre and is an exciting talent.
Anthony Boric might be a hidden gem at lock.
Rudi Wulf and Anthony Tuitavake need more time.
Still not sure how Stephen Donald is rated higher than Nick Evans.
Coach: Nothing's changed.
Graham Henry still speaks in blunt, clipped tones and makes reporters feel they are boys in school.
Using left and right flankers has been a masterstroke.
Can't quibble with selections.
The journey to redemption, or possibly yet another World Cup failure, has begun.
Outlook: Bright without being deliriously optimistic.
The crushing wins against England have been helpful for lifting confidence.
Some new faces have emerged and some old ones have been reinvigorated.
Still the general feeling that only good efforts against Tri-Nations foes will indicate all is well in All Blackdom.
