Old or gold? This is it for the All Blacks, the start of the real World Cup where a continuation of their modest form will not deliver another trophy. It's a test for the coaches' belief in their ageing group where more half-game misfires will have a serious impact on the All Blacks' progress.
They are a team who have created an extraordinary level of success under the guidance of coach Steve Hansen and his cohorts although that evidence has not glistened this year.
A gritty away win against the Springboks and a more throaty Eden Park victory to retain the Bledisloe Cup against the Wallabies came before the mixed form at this tournament.
The team for tomorrow's sudden-death clash with France, apart from the injury absence of Tony Woodcock, were the same group who started the tournament against the Pumas.