There was never a hint of the All Blacks being anything other than ruthless in both mindset and execution and it's apparent that they hopped on the plane last week determined to drive their last four performances to a higher level.
In the background is the World Cup and this whole idea they are simulating what they are likely to encounter in the back half of next year's tournament.
If there was one overwhelming lesson they learned in 2007 it is that they can't doddle through the pool rounds - running up cricket scores and playing props in the loose forwards as they did - and then be slow to make the mental transition into preparing for the brutal world of knockout rugby.
Plenty on show to make scouts' eyes light up
The intensity has to be the same regardless of the opposition and that's why the attitude shown against the USA was the most pleasing aspect for the coaches.
The benchmark has been set high. Now the team to play England has to take it higher.
The work of a few individuals, who have made selection decisions for this week's test at Twickenham that little bit harder, will also have pleased the coaches.
Patrick Tuipulotu was arguably the most impressive - managing to be supremely physical against a USA pack that had size, power and passion. A bit like Charles Piutau last year, something has suddenly clicked with Tuipulotu and he clearly feels a degree of comfort in the test arena.
His ability to stay on his feet and drive through tackles was the best feature of his work and there will be significant interest among the coaching panel to see if he can achieve the same results off the bench against England next week.
How the US media reacted
Charlie Faumuina was another to press his claim for game time against England, showing as he did the remarkable range of skills he possesses.
The show-stopper, though, was Sonny Bill Williams. Playing off such a good platform and with so much space, the full extent of his athleticism and vision could be appreciated.
That bit was never in doubt, though, and what will have won him accolades from the coaching staff is how simple he kept his game. There were no trademark off-loads or high risk plays. Just straight running and big defence.
"I think that's the biggest thing I have learned since coming back to rugby," said Williams. "The opportunity [to off-load] is usually there but it is about picking it.
" In my last stint in rugby Steve Hansen was on at me about when to pass it, when to hold it. I am still coming to terms with that."
Williams reckoned the knock he took to the hip will be fine.
"I think everyone in this squad is vying to be in that 23 and I am no different. You want to play at the highest level against the best opposition," Williams said.
"There is talent everywhere in the squad and that is what makes the All Blacks so good. You can't let off the gas for one second or someone will take your spot."
Four things achieved by ABs
74 The Maori All Blacks beat the USA by same scoreline (74-6) in 2006. Cory Jane and Liam Messam played in both matches.
29 Julian Savea now has 29 tries from 30 tests, tied with teammate Dan Carter in 10th on ABs' all-time list.
6 Ryan Crotty, TJ Perenara, Charlie Faumuina, Jeremy Thrush, Victor Vito and Kieran Read were the only players from the starting XV who failed to cross the goal line.
6 again Tied for the most points scored by the United States against the All Blacks. They have yet to score a try against New Zealand. Adam Siddall is tied for most points scored against the All Blacks by an American.
