From 2011 to 2015, the All Blacks were possibly the greatest rugby team that ever existed, and in that time, the Crusaders didn't lift a single Super Rugby title.
During those five years, New Zealand won four Rugby Championships, and two World Cups, despite the lack of Super Rugby silverware in Christchurch.
But fast forward eight years, and the Crusaders have just clinched their seventh title in as many seasons, after beating the Chiefs in Saturday's final.
While a Kiwi team's success should bode well for New Zealand in the international arena, an All Blacks great has urged caution.
With injured Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock ignoring doctor's pleas to play in the final, Jeff Wilson has asked whether the environment at the Crusaders, and subsequent success spells danger for the All Blacks at the upcoming World Cup.
"Is that a problem? Is this an issue? I think it's an issue," he said on Sky Sport's The Breakdown on Sunday.
"I'll ask you this question. Yes, there were those great players, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, who were part of a champion Crusaders side.
"[But] actually they weren't a champion side, they won one title there over that time [2007-2015], but we were a better All Black team.
"In 2011 and 2015, we were the best team in the world, it was a period of about six years, and the Crusaders didn't win a title in that whole time. Is that a problem? I'm asking the question."
In that period of world dominance by the All Blacks, four different sides won the Super Rugby title, with the Chiefs and Highlanders finally ending their drought.
But since soon-to-be All Blacks coach Scott Robertson took over the Crusaders in 2017, he has led them to an unprecedented seven titles in a row.
World Cup winner Mils Muliaina encouraged the All Blacks to replicate the Crusaders' environment as they chase their fourth championship.
"It's a problem for New Zealand Rugby right? And the fact that it could be the case. But I think [the Crusaders] have created that, and it means that much to them.
"We don't know the full extent of Sam Whitelock, and he's obviously come through and he's fine, they've got to make those decisions.
"But it goes back to our point, what an environment. If you create an environment like that, similar to the All Blacks when they were dominant.
"If you create an environment like that, and people care so much about it, of course, they're going to want to play it before anything else."
