To no one's surprise, Steve Hansen has been appointed the All Black coach.
As the last man standing from the triumvirate that led New Zealand to World Cup glory this year, he was the obvious candidate. So much so that, for better or worse, there was never any prospect of the sort of competition that saw Robbie Deans go up against Graham Henry four years ago. There is enough, however, in the terms of Hansen's appointment so far made public to suggest this does not mean he can rest on his laurels.
The most obvious sign is that he has been handed just a two-year deal, which will take him through to the end of the 2013 season.
He must be successful in that period because although there is no competition for his job just now, that will have changed in a couple of years. Overseas, Vern Cotter, with French club Clermont, and Joe Schmidt, at Heineken Cup winners Leinster, are cementing strong reputations.
Locally, Jamie Joseph and Todd Blackadder have made very good starts with their Super 15 teams, while the work of new Chiefs coach Dave Rennie will be closely monitored given his excellent work with youth and provincial teams.