Few people would revel in All Black defeat this evening – New Zealanders that is.   

Joe Schmidt, Mike Cron, and Tom Donnelly are three Kiwis that would.   

Two of those three are as good as the best in their trade.   

Two of those guys should really have their colours tied to All Black masts.  

Two of those fine men are living proof of the cumbersome nature of the NZR.  

The last few years has seen the most powerful brought to their knees, the collapse of an empire if you will, not unlike the implosion of the American dream under the iron —albeit tiny— fist of Trump.   

The clumsy approach of the union, particularly the maladroit power transition in the coach's box, has seen the best talent they’ve had access to flip the bird and set up shop in Australia.  

Schmidt, a reluctant international coach and great friend of Ian Foster, would rather reanimate the Wallabies than lend his talent to the Robertson-lead All Blacks. Mike Cron, the scrum coach guru, has shot the gap too, his ‘exit’ interview with me on ZB was telling, his frustration over handling of the Foster/Robertson turmoil was palpable. He even swore on-air. Sheesh.  

With their trophy cabinet ransacked, their CEO exiting stage left and a mercurial AB side, a loss at the last bastion of All Black dominance would further erode the mystique of the jersey – if it hasn’t dissipated already.   

Not freaked out by now, how you like these apples.   

In the Rugby Championship to date, the All Blacks lead the missed tackle count, lost the most turnovers, have scored the fewest points, the fewest clean breaks, meters made, and defenders beaten.  

I take no joy from these words, I’ve been a huge fan of Razor and quite possibly he may well be redeemed as the season unfolds, possibly a world cup in a couple of years, but it’s difficult to watch what's unfolding and not feel the cold hand of creeping death choking the positivity out of you.