OPINION: After yet another Super Rugby title for the Crusaders, the truth is staring NZ Rugby officials in the face.
It's time to ditch the 'no overseas players' All Blacks selection policy to at least give incoming coach Scott Robertson one of his biggest attacking weapons, when he takes over next year.
Since his 2017 debut, two All Blacks coaches have tried - and for the most part struggled - to get the most out of Richie Mo'unga in the black jersey.
Firstly under Sir Steve Hansen and now with Ian Foster, Mo'unga hasn't been the same player that we've seen put his hand up as possibly the best to ever grace Super Rugby.
Admittedly, getting the mercurial first-five to replicate what he does for the Crusaders as an All Black would be tough, given the upgrade in opponents at test level and the shortage of franchise teammates around him.
Robertson wouldn't face that challenge - the outgoing Crusaders coach already knows exactly how to get absolutely everything out of his No.10.
Regardless of what happens in France later this year, 2024 will drastically change how the All Blacks operate, with Robertson already confirmed to succeed Foster at the helm, but as things stand, Mo'unga can't be part of his plans.
The All Blacks are currently unable to select players based outside New Zealand - without exception.
At 29, Mo'unga has committed to a three-year deal playing in Japan from next season, effectively signing away his peak years offshore.
NZ Rugby boss Mark Robinson has already indicated to Newshub that his organisation would consider allowing players to cross the ditch and represent Australian Super Rugby sides, but players based in Europe or Japan would continue to be a flat 'no'.
To be fair, NZR's reasons are sound. As soon as one overseas player turns out for the All Blacks, they'd all go.
After that, Super Rugby would become a second-tier competition, seen merely as a developing ground for France's Top 14 or Japan's League One to pluck from as and when they choose - but is that really such a bad thing?
Argentina lifted the Football World Cup last year, but how many of their 26-man squad actually play at home in their own league?
Just one - their reserve goalkeeper.
The same argument can be made for the likes of Brazil, the Netherlands and Belgium, all top-ranked sides with largely overseas contingents.
Conversely, in cricket, India's policy of allowing their players to only contest their own Twenty20 league has hurt them. Despite having the most money and biggest seat at the table, they have now gone 10 years without an international title, with their players' lack of experience overseas pinpointed as a major factor.
In 2015, Rugby Australia implemented the 'Giteau Law', which allowed players who have played more than 60 tests and spent seven seasons in Super Rugby to move offshore, yet still turn out for the Wallabies.
That has since been adjusted to accommodate three players who have played 30 tests and spent five Super Rugby seasons.
Is that the answer for NZ Rugby? Maybe.
While keeping Super Rugby as strong as possible is important, the All Blacks have to be the be-all and end-all of NZ Rugby.
Silver Lake didn't invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the game for Super Rugby - they did it to attach themselves to the All Blacks brand - a brand built on winning.
After being confirmed as the incoming All Blacks coach, Robertson outlined his desire to pick the best players at all times, regardless of where they ply their trade.
Last Saturday, the Crusaders turned out for their seventh title in as many years, with Mo'unga steering the ship on every occasion.
"He is a finals footballer, a genuine world class finals footballer," said Robertson. "He's a winner, stays in the fight and he's really clutch."
The partnership of Robertson and Mo'unga will go down as arguably the greatest in Super Rugby history. No other team will likely ever replicate their success.
It's a shame that could be the last time we see them at the helm together.
Alex Powell is a Newshub digital sports producer
