New Zealand dominance in rugby is something that has the rest of the world scratching their heads. They have spent their summer crushing Wales, Australia, Argentina and South Africa with awesome performances. What makes those displays even scarier is the fact that they have come a year after Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Keven Mealamu all handed over the famous jersey to a new generation and in a year when Sonny Bill Williams is out with an Achilles injury.
It seems like an age since Ireland came so close to beating them in that heart-breaking game in the Aviva Stadium in 2013, but since then New Zealand seem to have reached a different level, winning a World Cup and reaching a standard which it seems no other country can match.
To the extent, perhaps, that they have made games involving them slightly boring - in terms of competitiveness, that is. Watching a New Zealand side in full flow is rarely dull.
But it's not just those outside New Zealand that are bored by their dominance. In 'The Breakdown' programme on Sky Sport New Zealand, All Blacks legends Jeff Wilson, John Kirwan, Richard Turner and Dave Hewett were discussing the extent of the gap between their country and everyone else.
Wilson's opening question indicates that they are just as aware of the gap - and, perhaps, just as bored of it, too:
Do we need to lose the games in the near future to keep the interest alive across the globe?
Those outside New Zealand perhaps assumed that there would be a slight drop in standards after all the legendary players retired from their side. The reality is that their strength in depth looks greater than ever - for example, Beauden Barrett looks every inch the real deal at fly-half.
Meanwhile, here for your viewing pleasure is a completely bizarre and hilarious commercial for garage doors featuring New Zealand boss Steve Hansen. His enthusiasm really bursts from the screen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2EDsqE6IlI
You can watch the superb full clip of 'The Breakdown' here.
