Yet should New Zealand triumph against Australia in Christchurch on Saturday, by more than seven points and scoring four tries, even the most abstract of mathematicians would not be able to find a formula by which New Zealand could not win the Tri-Nations title.
It's more a quirk of the schedule than a flaw which allows this year's tournament to be done and dusted by this point: last year South Africa had also played all their home matches and had one hand on the trophy, but then they were clearly the strongest team. This year, New Zealand are in the same boat: the best team but also with the smoothest ride.
 | vs |  |
Australia
Vs New Zealand
Date: Saturday, August 7
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Weather: Light rain, strong north-easterly breeze
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (SA)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (SA), Keith Brown (NZ)
Deans himself this week even admitted that one eye was on the future, saying: "Regardless of the outcome at the weekend, there's no doubt that this time will serve this group well. I can tell you that in 14 months, they'll be there (peaking)."
Time will indeed tell as well as serve, just as it will with Graham Henry's All Blacks. They are in magnificent form right now, unstoppable, a yard ahead of all the rest, light-years advanced tactically, blah blah blah... time will tell if they can sustain this all the way this time or whether indeed their current form is a product of an intricate plot by match officials to ensure New Zealand look good heading into the World Cup.
Peaking too early is the only concern in the New Zealand camp right now though, for everything else is flawless. The ball retention has been absolutely wonderful and it is frighteningly fast how quickly into shape the defence gets. Those who would accuse the ABs of cheating might want to go back to their videos and note just how well they get to the breakdown and in how many numbers. Even if they are not always in the right, the team is generally so overwhelmingly 'there' that referees are likely swayed.
The ultimate referee swaying test is undoubtedly Jonathan Kaplan, who takes charge of this weekend's game in Christchurch. But even his icy approach and the predicted miserable weather will not dampen down the fire with which the All Blacks will tear into this one and scorch to another Tri-Nations title.
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