Functional, yet lacking a killer touch. That was the verdict of New Zealand's 40-0 drubbing of a weakened Scottish side on Sunday. A performance which provided more questions than answers for some.
For myself, it only served to reinforce the fact that the All Blacks are exactly where they want to be as they bid to become World Champions. Cool, unforgiving and totally dominant was how I would describe it. Low Risk? - Yes, but very effective.
Graham Henry has his troops looking at the bigger picture and has instilled a stubborn winning mentality into the team. It's not about entertainment, it's sheer hunger. There are still many people clinging to the vain hope that the tag of 'Overwhelming Favourites' will not sit well with the Kiwis. I fear they could be wrong.
This All Black vintage have pace, flair and the power to match. However, a new found maturity is their most impressive attribute. There are many subtleties to their game nowadays, teams aren't just killed off with tries - but game management.
On a personal level, I feel that England's 2003 triumph set the trend. Under Sir Clive Woodward, structure ruled. The Forwards relentlessly made metre after metre, and - when in range - Wilkinson and his boot did the rest. Predictably, the Australians weren't impressed, but in the end it was an overwhelming success.
Before I'm accused of talking nonesense, I will say that McCaw and co aren't offering up a stodgy version of the game, but they do possess a clinical edge evident in all World Cup winning teams. With territory and possession comes points, it may sound simple, but all the greatest plans are.
As if to mirror their dominance of the game in recent years, the All Blacks are merely taking things to the next level. Forward intensity is cranked up another notch, potency in the backs is amplified, there are more options and fewer teams capable of stopping them.
This pragmatic approach isn't likely to win many friends, but the New Zealanders have travelled to France to collect the silverware. Their focus is ominous.
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