As if the rest of the rugby world needed a reminder, the All Blacks have once again highlighted the gulf in class between them and the others with a demolition of Argentina in Buenos Aires this morning.
Like a multi-headed hydra of Greek mythology, the threats just kept coming and the test was over as a contest at halftime. With 16 consecutive victories and the world record of 18 well within their grasp as they eye tests against the Springboks and Wallabies over the next three weeks, it will take an epic performance to topple the world champions.
The only issues were discipline related in the second half as the errors and penalties mounted which will ensure coach Steve Hansen isn't completely happy.
There was plenty to like about their first-half performance, though, after they were forced to subdue a fired-up Pumas team at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani. But although forwards such as Agustin Creevy and Facundo Isa made occasional inroads, there was a feeling that they and their teammates were only just holding on, resolute though their defence was in that first quarter.
Anton Lienert-Brown's try broke the floodgates and he has every reason to be very happy with his efforts in the No13 jersey, a test during which he will have given the All Blacks selectors plenty to think about. The others given rare starting opportunities - Patrick Tuipulotu, Liam Squire and TJ Perenara - also made the most of them, with Perenara finishing off a stunning team try on halftime, but Lienert-Brown was perhaps the best of the lot.
