KEY POINTS:
Steadily, inexorably, Graham Henry and his men are moving closer to another achievement in 2008: a Grand Slam tour of the Northern Hemisphere.
This comprehensive dismantling of Irish dreams puts the All Blacks halfway to a clean sweep of the four Home Unions this month. But it achieved something even more important, from a New Zealand rugby point of view.
For here was further proof that a new squad is taking shape under Henry, new partnerships and understandings being forged. Gradually, as the days of 2008 start to run out, New Zealand are re-establishing themselves back on the top of world rugby.
First, we saw another Tri-Nations title; now in all probability, another Grand Slam in Britain and Ireland.
And to think some fools in this part of the world said there wasn't much to beat against any of the Southern Hemisphere sides this month. Rather, these matches have emphasised that a large gap has again opened between the best of the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.
Many people thought yesterday morning's match represented a chance for Ireland to achieve sporting history.
"Now or never," former Irish fly-half Tony Ward said on Saturday. Whether Ireland ever makes history by toppling New Zealand in an international match remains to be seen, but there was never the remotest chance of them doing so at Croke Park on Saturday night.
True, New Zealand took most of the first 40 minutes to make their mark, Carter missing two penalties and only a smart intercept by Mils Muliaina saving a likely Irish try near the posts.
But once they had been awarded that penalty try, courtesy of Ma'a Nonu's shrewd, delicate little grubber kick to the Irish line through the fast, on-rushing defence, New Zealand looked a different side.
They offered such pace, penetration, precision and execution that Ireland looked fourth grade by comparison. The predictability of the home team and their formulaic approach contrasted with New Zealand's play. Nonu made and finished their second try with superb work off the ball in tandem with Joe Rokocoko, and when Brad Thorn put his head down and spread-eagled two defenders on their own line as he scored, a rout seemed inevitable.
It didn't happen because mistakes crept in on both sides. But New Zealand's overwhelming superiority, their greater physicality all over the field and especially at the breakdown, was never in doubt.
Until teams in this part of the world can match that physicality, plus the speed and intensity with which New Zealand perform, they will have little chance of beating the Southern Hemisphere's best.
It was very obvious that Ireland were deeply uncomfortable attempting to operate when the pressure of time, space and an imminent challenge threatened. They lacked the deep-seated ball skills, the inherent decision making and the ability to play with their heads up and make important decisions under duress. New Zealand did this, Ireland didn't.
Not that this is to say we saw the perfect performance from Henry's new team on Saturday. Keven Mealamu dropped a Conrad Smith pass when a try looked likely, Dan Carter at times looked so relaxed he seemed on half speed and some of the New Zealand kicking would have been exposed by a better team.
Nonetheless, no one could mistake the chasm in skills, quality and commitment between these sides. It's hard to see either England or Wales pushing them much closer and from Henry's point of view, all he can do is keep winning test matches and series. After all, there is no crime in that.
