On the other side of the world, teams have finished their match preparations, which have left them with varying degrees of physical damage. As Wales survey their replacement options, the All Blacks say the staff have been getting strong results from Naholo in his work to get back to fitness.
They did not need to play any more matches before the World Cup.
"We've had enough test matches, we've had enough games and we have had two weeks before we jump on a plane," assistant coach Ian Foster said.
They had a solid session in camp in Wellington, another yesterday in Auckland and there was still a great deal of preparation, behind-the-scenes work and connecting with their fans before they flew out.
"We are ready," Foster said.
They held a full-noise training to make sure they ticked off the physical components ahead of their campaign. It was a necessary inquisition before the huge opening test with the Pumas.
Players were tackled and cleaned out in simulated game situations and contests were encouraged as part of their final major hit-out.
There were no concerns yet about any changes to referee rulings at the World Cup. There had been updates after their past five tests and coach Steve Hansen and others would meet with officials before the start of the tournament.
"We are clear about what they are looking for," Foster said.
They had watched for trends from other teams in their latest tests but not much more as most were restrained with their tactics.
Flanker Sam Cane said there was plenty of feeling at training, especially from those who had not played for a while.
It was his first World Cup and he was excited about that new frontier. He had heard these tournaments were different so was not sure what to expect, while there were others who had been to multiple events.
"There is no feeling we are carrying the weight of expectation or there is anything weighing us down. We want to embrace the challenge," he said.
The All Blacks needed to pace themselves through a long campaign and tap into the knowledge of the experienced squad members.
"The key message has been that we need to go out there and earn the right to progress further in the tournament," Cane said. "We can't take anything for granted and it is truly, and as tough as it is for people to make it out sometimes, we are focusing on week by week, day by day.
"If you get too far ahead of yourself who knows what can happen."
The final countdown
Today: Public training event at Trusts Stadium, Henderson (10am).
Tomorrow: Team departure from Auckland Airport.
Friday: All Blacks touch down in London.
