The signing of Aaron Smith adds to an impressive list of All Blacks already locked in after this year's World Cup.
And while there are questions over the immediate post-tournament plans for stars like Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock — who may take up short term options overseas — they remain in the All Blacks' schemes for the 2023 World Cup.
The new All Black coach will have a decent base to work from, even if a couple of very big names will be missing initially.
There are issues of course, including what effect the continual loss of fringe players like Jordan Taufua will have on the standards in New Zealand rugby.
There are wider issues such as the state of Super Rugby, but in terms of straight contract battles the All Blacks are winning the war.
