An endemic lack of discipline is the biggest issue impacting New Zealand's ability to regain their former status.
In the team's first Rugby Championship under head coach Scott Robertson, some new blood rose to the top and some familiar faces were forced onto the backbench.
Let me take you back to 2013 when I was coaching the Brumbies. We were always on the lookout for emerging talent and we’d had a tip-off about a young kid, who was playing for a club called Wests on the Sunshine Coast, and playing in a match against a local university team. If there were a few hundred people watching him, it would surprise me, but this shaggy-haired full-back had something, so we fast tracked him into the Brumbies set-up. Boy, he could move.
The Argentine pivot fits his team's style and structure far better than his illustrious All Blacks peer.
Will Jordan will start at fullback for just the second time when the All Blacks the Springboks this weekend.
Now with 73 Test caps under his belt, Ioane has found himself fulfilling both roles under a new coaching regime with the All Blacks.
Returning Hurricanes winger Julian Savea scored his 52nd Super Rugby try against the Crusaders but it was his handling as a floating resource that has impressed watchers as the home side went down 27-30 against the Crusaders.
The Western Force's Argentine contingent has been cut by one after star hooker Julian Montoya was forced to renege on his contract.
There wouldn’t be a side more feared, particularly in New Zealand where many thought he should have got the All Blacks’ job, than a resurgent France coached by Robertson peaking in 2023.
As the Barbarians limber up for their clash with the All Blacks at the weekend, RugbyPass's Jim Hamilton turned up at the training ground to get the low down with one of World Rugby's most enigmatic invitational teams.