KEY POINTS:
People are often too quick to jump on a bandwagon or abandon one, and I think too many people are worrying about the long-term effects of losing so many All Blacks and first-class players to Europe.
It has always happened and probably always will and, while I understand that the rumours of a breakaway competition in Europe could well change the face of world rugby, I don't think it will have as crushing an effect on New Zealand as many are saying.
There are always top young players coming through and all you had to do was to look at the halfback-first five-eighths combinations for the Crusaders and Chiefs on Friday night to see the future.
If you had to pick the winner, you would give it to Brendon Leonard and Stephen Donald for the Chiefs over Andy Ellis and Stephen Brett.
Leonard is looking more and more impressive, although he made a few mistakes, and Donald has gone up a few notches with his kicking and the way he controls a game and his backline. Ellis is suffering a little from second-year syndrome, when other players normally find you out a bit, but he is still the goods and we all know about Brett's potential.
That's my point. Yes, we are losing players but the replacements are already in front of us. Cast your mind back over 20 years to the 'Baby Blacks' beating France after losing mainstream All Blacks to the rebel Cavaliers tour. They beat France and many of those 'babies' soon became mainstream All Blacks themselves.
I'd also say that it is such a strong game in the junior ranks. My son tried out for his school under-14 team. There were 105 boys - 105! - trying out for that team.
Those All Blacks going overseas are saying they want to come back and play for the All Blacks in the World Cup. Good idea - but few have yet to actually do it although Leon MacDonald and Troy Flavell may be looking likely.
But it is a hard thing to do to go offshore, play in a different country, to a different style and then re-appear and play to World Cup specifications.
They are going to make a bit of money and, fair enough. But there is no guarantee that All Black jersey will be waiting for them... that's the thing about the All Blacks; if you give someone talented a chance, they often take it.
Meanwhile, I'll still be putting my money on the Crusaders to beat the Blues if they now meet in a semifinal at Jade Stadium. A good side doesn't become a bad side because of a couple of losses and what's wrong with the Crusaders can be summarised in just four words: The Chiefs played better.
In particular, Liam Messam. There's another name for the future. I know everyone will be saying Sione Lauaki had an outstanding match and will be in line for the All Blacks now - but he needs to put together two or three more matches like that to convince me.
There's no doubt, however, that Graham Henry will have watched Lauaki's power and thought about him coming off the bench as an impact player in a tight one.
Messam was better, for me. In a game featuring Richie McCaw, Messam provided the greatest number and most telling turnovers and was a big factor in the Chiefs' win - and that from a guy some have labelled just a runner and passer who doesn't do the hard graft stuff.
All you have to do to understand Messam's effect was to remember that Reuben Thorne got hooked off the field as he was proving ineffective - and that is probably that when it comes to a World Cup jersey for Reuben.
Mose Tuiali'i played well although he was under pressure a lot. He has played consistently and is still in front of Lauaki overall, I think, even though Lauaki's potential and form is really starting to gather pace now.
As for the Crusaders, yes, they have work to do on their scrum and lineout and they were beaten at the breakdown on Friday - but don't write them off yet.
