It really does reflect the strength of New Zealand rugby that the national team, which a year ago suffered one of its biggest letdowns in more than 100 years, and has lost plenty of players, is still expected to win every game on a tough six-match tour.
Not only are the All Blacks to play matches against all four of the home unions, but they will face Australia in Hong Kong next Saturday night, and Munster in a midweek game.
New Zealand has lost just once in the northern hemisphere under coach Graham Henry, and this team, due to be announced at 9am tomorrow, will not want to add to that unfortunate loss in Cardiff last year.
It is only three years since the All Blacks journeyed to the United Kingdom for a Grand Slam tour.
For all Henry and company have talked about a new team and transition this year, 19 players from that 2005 tour are available and are likely to be picked tomorrow.
Who else joins them has been made clear already with the naming by the selectors of a wider training squad last weekend.
With the selectors indicating a 20-forwards, 15-backs split, the chance of a name no-one expects being read out is slim.
But it could happen - remember Isaia Toeava came from nowhere in 2005.
Perhaps prop Ben Franks, or even Canterbury second-string flanker George Whitelock, who has been talked of as a future All Black, though he has not exactly covered himself in glory yet.
At fullback Mils Muliaina may not fly out with the squad, as his partner is expecting the couple's first child.
That may make traditionalists such as Colin Meads squirm, but Muliaina may not make it to Hong Kong.
His place there is likely to be taken by Cory Jane, who has been in great form for Wellington. A bit skittery early on in his career, he has matured in the past few seasons.
Joe Rokocoko will get back in, after his wrist injury forced him to miss the bulk of the domestic season. He is a class act and should be joined by Sitiveni Sivivatu, though the Chiefs winger has under-achieved this season.
Hosea Gear should make the side, as he has been the star of the Air New Zealand Cup. Injury-free for the first time in years and picked every week, Gear deserves his chance.
Anthony Tuitavake may be the other winger, though he is better in midfield. Rudi Wulf could be the unlucky one to miss out.
In midfield, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui will probably be joined by Toeava, though no-one, Toeava included, appears to know his best position.
The first five-eighths pick themselves - Dan Carter and Stephen Donald - while the halfbacks are likely to be Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu and Andy Ellis. If Ellis is ruled out with injury, Wellington halfback Alby Mathewson could get the call.
Weepu has come a long way in 12 months and based on his domestic form, he will be first choice. Cowan has also had a fine six months.
Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo, Jerome Kaino and Adam Thomson are obvious choices, though doubt remains over what is Thomson's best position. Judging on his performance at openside flanker against Wellington, the No 7 jersey could be his. He should appreciate the looser and freer style played in these tour games, instead of the grittier Tri-Nations.
Canterbury captain Kieran Read should get in - there would be a mutiny in Canterbury if he missed out - while Sione Lauaki may have done enough to stay in there, despite some average form and a lack of basic skills at times.
The other flanker, as a back-up to McCaw, is far from clear-cut. Scott Waldrom has impressed and has speed but is getting on in years. Tanerau Latimer has pace but question marks hang over his defence.
Locks should be Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, the recalled Jason Eaton, and Wellington's Jeremy Thrush. Otago lock Tom Donnelly has been disadvantaged by being in an underperforming side.
Thrush has been earmarked for higher honours from a young age and pops up all over the paddock.
Southland skipper Jamie Mackintosh should get a call-up after a year which started well with the Highlanders and has never dropped off, despite being laid low by a toe injury for part of the season.
The two Johns, Afoa and Schwalger, should join him, along with Neemia Tialata and Tony Woodcock in the propping ranks.
Corey Flynn should get a recall to join the other two regulars in the hooking ranks. Hawkes Bay hooker Hika Elliot is unlucky, but his time will come.
