Japan's tournament target is to claim several wins with their sights set on achieving that goal against Tonga and Canada in their last two matches of the tournament.
Much against the competitive instincts of coach John Kirwan, he has chosen an alternate XV to test their skills against the All Blacks, saving the bulk of his premier side for their final two contests.
It is a realistic approach but it does go against Kirwan's nature.
Across town in the All Black bunker, consternation levels will have risen a shade with the late exit of the quartet.
Their withdrawal will put extra heat on the next selection meeting, especially over the fullback choice for the crucial clash with France. New man Dagg, the experienced Muliaina or maybe a substitute run from Isaia Toeava?
For a large chunk of the Blues campaign this season in the Super 15, Toeava was their star performer at fullback before a hip complaint ended his season.
The All Black selectors have been sold on his talents since his dramatic elevation to the test squad in 2005. They chose him for his first test at fullback but have only picked him to start in that role twice more in his 33 internationals.
Circumstances make that four tonight.
The rearrangements continue in the pack where McCaw's exit from what was supposed to be his historic 100th All Black test mean Adam Thomson shifting to openside duties from No 8 and Victor Vito coming in at the back of the pack.
Anthony Boric slips on to the bench and reclaimed hooker Keven Mealamu takes over the captaincy.
Those changes concentrated the All Black minds after the mishaps which blighted their last full training session. There was sympathy from Kirwan who felt the All Blacks would absorb the late disruptions.
"If you've ever been to Disneyland and seen the big rollercoaster it's a bit like that," he predicted. "A little bit exciting and a little bit scary at the same time. That's how we feel about playing the All Blacks."
