Six years ago, when New Zealand was awarded the 2011 Rugby World Cup, this newspaper suggested "the passion that secured the hosting rights must now be brought to preparation for, and staging of, the event".
Nothing less than the best World Cup ever would suffice for a country with such a rugby heritage, we added. Tonight, when the tournament kicks off, we will get our first inkling of how close we will come to meeting that lofty ambition. The omens are good.
As much is apparent from the relaxed demeanour of some of those most closely involved in the organisation of the event, not least Martin Snedden, the chief executive of Rugby New Zealand 2011. With everything ready to go, his message for New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike is to enjoy the occasion.
Officials from the International Rugby Board seem equally content. It should not be forgotten that the game's governors went out on a limb in selecting New Zealand ahead of Japan and South Africa. Any lingering reservations about that decision seem now to have been set aside.
Yet the IRB would surely have had considerably more cause for jitters if it had known in 2005 what was to befall this country. First, there were the ravages of the global economic recession, from which none of the candidates could be immune.