Can the All Blacks regain their winning form in the upcoming matches?
Pursuing what would be just a fifth 'Grand Slam' in their illustrious legacy, the All Blacks have headed north at an pivotal moment.
Matches against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales await Scott Robertson's side across the next four weekends but, beyond the possibility to match the teams of 1978, 2005, 2008 and 2010 in the history books, the fixtures will be used as a benchmark to evaluate the progress of the side under a manager now two years on from taking up the reins.
Current Challenges
Doubts over a shortage of an distinctive approach, enduring debates over selection and exits from the management team have all contributed to the feeling that the best-known side in the sport is now one in a time of change.
Most pertinently, it is the decline in outcomes from a past excellence set between the global tournaments of the last decade that has led some to suggest that we have transitioned away of the era of Kiwi superiority.
Recent History
Before their departure for the northern hemisphere, it was confirmed that in the coming year, in the lack of the southern hemisphere competition, the All Blacks will meet South Africa in a warm-weather tour termed 'a unique competition'.
Traditionally the game's two strongest sides, there is clear agreement over who has lately dominated of what promoters have labeled 'The Premier Rivalry'.
In recent seasons, the South African team have secured a pair of World Cups, three southern hemisphere titles and a tour against the northern hemisphere selection to be regarded as the team of their period.
New Zealand have persisted to overcome Ireland when it counts most, overcoming Saturday's opponents in the global competition of recent years. They have, additionally, been defeated in just two of the past 21 meetings with England, have beaten the Welsh side in each game since over sixty years ago and have remained unbeaten by the Scottish team.
Evolving Landscape
But the decline of their status as the sport's measure of excellence will continue to rankle.
While the All Blacks dominated through the previous decade - winning eighty-seven percent of their Test matches, as well as winning the Webb Ellis on multiple times - the World Cup of 2019 can now be regarded as when the balance of power changed in the global game.
New Zealand beat the Springboks in their first game of the championship in Japan, but it was the Boks' who were eventually successful in the championship match.
From that point, the New Zealand's victory ratio has fallen to seventy-one percent. The Springboks themselves lost ten of their next 26 Test matches but, commencing of last year, have won at a rate (83%) to match even the former Kiwi champions.
Head-to-Head
Over the comparable duration, the 'Boks have won the majority of the seven meetings between the sides, featuring victory in the latest global tournament decider.
During their pursuit of their current regional title, South Africa delivered a significant beating on the All Blacks courtesy of dominant performance in the capital, a result which has sparked another wave of debate concerning the development of the side under the coach.
Possibly most jarring for supporters of the All Blacks will be that, allied to their usual power, the Springboks' triumph has come with an attacking verve more commonly connected with their own side.
Playing Philosophy
During the period when the All Blacks were at the peak of their capabilities a decade past, they were a ruthless counter-attacking unit capable of dismantling competitors from all areas of the pitch and at all times of the contest.
Currently, their playing philosophy is less defined as their leader, who has given 19 debuts during his two years in charge, tries to initially build the fundamental foundations of a competitive squad.
It has recently revealed that the supporting manager overseeing offense, Jason Holland, will exit the team after the upcoming matches, making him the second member of the coaching staff to exit after Leon MacDonald left last year after just five Tests.
Team Development
It was not just Robertson's success, but his approach, that was anticipated to translate from his former team when he assumed control after the 2023 World Cup but, to date, the two aspects continue to be a work in progress.
Commercial Considerations
Following investment group investors acquired shares in All Blacks in recent years, the following communication spoke of the "pursuit of worldwide growth" for the brand.
That task has perhaps been more challenging by the absence of a international celebrity. Their key player and the collection of family members continue to be household names in the rugby, but the concentration of stars has expanded significantly. The captain is the only New Zealand player to earn global recognition in the past six seasons, in comparison to ten awards in 13 years between previous generations.
Worldwide Reach
Alternatively, efforts have been undertaken to introduce the New Zealand team into emerging regions.
The first leg of this European campaign brings New Zealand not to the Irish capital but the American city, a comeback to the location where the Irish team secured a landmark success in the fixture nine years ago.
After the easing of Covid-19 travel restrictions, the All Blacks have also
