The All Blacks will play the Wallabies at Eden Park on Saturday with a world record on the line and still there is no word from New Zealand Rugby on whether halfback Aaron Smith will be sanctioned for his well-publicised use of a toilet cubicle at Christchurch airport several weeks ago.
News on that front, and whether he will assemble with the team when they gather in Auckland tomorrow morning, must be given soon. There has been no word on a misconduct hearing or even if he is required to attend one in person after he left Durban for his Dunedin home before the All Blacks put on a record 57-15 scoreline against the Springboks.
It could be that NZ Rugby send a simple statement tonight or tomorrow and that a coach - possibly Ian Foster as he is due for media duties following the team's assembly - will front a press pack.
Clarity will be required as much for Smith's teammates as anyone else. This test is effectively a dead rubber given the Bledisloe Cup has been locked up by the All Blacks for yet another year, but a potential 18th consecutive test win is a prize in itself. The team and head coach Steve Hansen have made no secret about their desire to make history following their deeds at last year's World Cup where they won back-to-back titles for the first time.
But although the recent drama has made headlines around the world, it's unlikely to be a distraction to the team itself. The build-up to the Boks test was as fraught as any they have faced in recent history, yet their performance was once again world class.
