KEY POINTS:
In these tough financial times, the All Blacks' ability to wring about $3 million profit from the Hong Kong economy makes more and more sense.
From a practical viewpoint, it also offers the players a chance to break the monotony of their long-haul flight while bringing the live
rugby gospel to new sporting and sponsorship markets. It should be a stimulating experience for both sides to compete at a neutral venue.
To suggest, though, that the teams are here because they have some responsibility to help generate rugby growth in Asia, that they are here in their missionary rugby kit, is stretching the arguments just a shade.
If the New Zealand Rugby Union was really interested in completing that sort of work, it would have taken the side to play internationals in the Pacific Islands. Enough said.
Rugby's profile in Asia will remain on a high for a few days after this test, but it is difficult to believe it will change many numbers of those wanting to switch codes.
There is also some strong wheeze the All Blacks will detour to Denver next season for a similar revenue venture with the Wallabies and the smell of a similar financial bonanza at Twickers either on that tour or the following year. How will that game at Twickers be portrayed? Another chance to grow the game, continue the public's sporting conversion?
It is a tricky balancing act for the New Zealand Rugby Union as it aims to retain the revered and exclusive reputation of the All Blacks while also accruing enough money to maintain the sport in New Zealand at the Super 14, NPC and club levels.
While Graham Henry and Robbie Deans have both pushed out theories about the senior rugby nations' obligations to the rest of the rugby globe, messages they would have been unwise to ignore given the monetary windfall involved, that sort of missionary organisation should be the IRB's responsibility.
If they wanted to develop the game's appeal and make more moolah, then they should have awarded World Cups to areas like Asia or America instead of keeping it cosseted among their major members.
Otherwise if the All Blacks continue to push this sort of expedition, they will run the risk of gathering a Harlem Globetrotters-type reputation as a collection of stars who are wheeled out as exhibits in contests where they collect the cash while the result is incidental.
