On Friday, in front of huge media attention, the All Blacks announced their squad for the Rugby Championship. And that was about it.

Almost a week since the Irish won a historic series here in New Zealand, the coach’s morning after press conference was cancelled – probably causing more harm than if it had just gone ahead - and New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson voiced his displeasure at the All Blacks' 2-1 series defeat describing the All Blacks recent performances as “not acceptable”, many fans and sports journalist were primed for something more than 4 tweaks to the team, and the promise of change to come.

Prepare yourself for many more words to be written and spoken over the coming Championship, regardless of game outcomes I imagine, discussing coaches, selectors, players, captains and now, management. All to be expected really.

Ian Foster and his team know better than anyone how invested New Zealanders are in their national sport, and national team. Supporters show the same dedication and loyalty to the Black jersey as those talented few who get to squeeze into one of those fitted jerseys. But the commentary and criticisms only goes one way, and while it might all be deserving, it can take a toll.

It was Sir John Kirwan, who is as disappointed as anyone about the All Blacks' current form who wisely put his head up this week to remind us all, that even though we are entitled to express our thoughts and opinions on those involved, they’re still just humans. As blokes, Ian Foster and Sam Cane are well respected and regarded as good guys trying to do their best. Nobody wants the All Blacks to retain their incredible reputation and statistics more than those involved in the All Blacks.

I know – I can hear you now. Francesca – civility and patience isn’t going to win us the World Cup next year! Making hard decisions, being held accountable and finding the vision to lift the All Blacks to a whole new level is what’s required.

Regardless of whether you think right decisions have been made over the last couple of years, in this era of contracts worth a bit of dosh, things weren’t going to change overnight. Getting the right coaching team, and players in place requires thought and timing – it’s not something to be panicked into, even if the solution seems obvious. Whether someone would want to take over the All Blacks at this time is another issue. Clearly, the team is still behind its coach and captain at present.

I’ve got to be honest – I’ve loved all the commentary over the last couple of weeks. Well, most of the constructive stuff. I love the drama – it makes the game that much more interesting. And I missed not having a game last night. For those of us who are perfectly happy sitting at home on a Saturday night, a test match is the best company. An occasion without leaving home.

Rugby is the perfect distraction to all the grim realities of the day – inflation, Covid, Ukraine, the fact my car needs new brake pads. It’s good to be passionate about something, something we can all feel a part of, which, other than a little heartbreak, doesn’t really affect our lives in any important way.

Elliot Smith said dramatically at the end of his game commentary last Saturday night, “An All Black empire is crumbling”.

For the last couple of decades, the All Blacks just won - relentlessly, almost without exception, predictably. There was a lot of great rugby played and to be enjoyed, but it didn’t make you nervous, and the highs from the wins didn’t seem so high after a while.

So, finding out if the All Blacks are crumbling or temporarily out of sorts has me at back at peak interest, and I’m going to enjoy finding out which one it is over the next 12 months. I’m nervous again and for me that’s a good thing.