The die has been cast, somewhat redder than many expected, but nevertheless, it is what it is.
Consequently, Kiwi sportsmanship is being put to the test, as the All Blacks put their imposing rugby stature on the line tomorrow night against the pick of the already quiet-achieving British and Irish Lions.
Some believed former All Black Warren Gatland's Lions would be lucky to win a game, but the tourists have already beaten Super Rugby leaders the Crusaders, hammered the Maori All Blacks and, with a virtual B or even C team, defeated Super Rugby's Chiefs.
Amid this is a hint that All Blacks fans will have difficulty accepting an outcome that is anything else but a win to the home side.
Already there have been accusations have of "cheating", but it may have escaped some that cheating has always been part of the game, even if as a trained skill in bending the rules.