Lee Stensness: A job well done, now to reflect then refocus on what lies ahead

The All Blacks have a three-week gap between the final Lions test and the first Tri Nations test against South Africa in Cape Town - a well-timed pit stop or a momentum stopper?

It could be argued that the best scenario for the All Blacks would be to launch straight in to the Tri Nations with their tails in the air. They've had time together to integrate and improve, they should continue to strike while the iron's hot. However, I believe that the three-week break is ideal for the team, both in terms of length and timing.

The risk of any possible loss of momentum is outweighed by the benefits, both physical and mental, to the team and management.

The next match is in South Africa and the duel impacts of travel time and time-zone differences mean that extra preparation is valuable. Almost two days can be lost to travel, while jet lag can impact on the duration and intensity of trainings as players are tired.

The All Blacks can now plan their travel and preparation to their specifications rather than having to rush from Australia to South Africa and compress their build-up.

Tana Umaga also stressed how physical the Lions series had been and, although the victories were comfortable, the Lions weren't soft touches. It is understood the All Blacks will have a practice or simulation match against Auckland 'B' before they depart to South Africa to keep the players in the physical groove of match play.

The break is also an ideal time for the All Blacks to work on their mental state. Given the significance and importance of any Lions series - and the impression was that this series became personal for the management and players - a lot of emotional and mental energy has been spent leading up to and during the series.

Everyone involved deserved a week or so to take in the satisfaction of a job well done. I'm sure that would be the thinking of the All Blacks - enjoy the victory for a brief period, as they have earned it, then quickly refocus on what lies ahead.

For they are sure to face sterner tests in their first two Tri Nations games.

The All Blacks will not be complacent, they will view what they achieved and how they played against the Lions as their minimum standard now.

The three-week break for the All Blacks is just what the doctor ordered and the management, with their experience and expertise, will ensure the benefits of rest, reflection and refocusing will outweigh any potential loss of momentum.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY