These comments were made about the All Blacks during the final leg of their extraordinary year. There was no need for hyperbole. The All Blacks in 2013 became the only rugby team in the modern era to go through a season by winning every game.

Fourteen starts, fourteen wins. No other national rugby team has achieved such a stupendous milestone. None of the World Cup winners could do it. Of all rugby countries, New Zealand have by far a better record than any other — over all time or just in the professional era. The team captained by Richie McCaw and coached by Steve Hansen and beaten by no one raised the bar for all who follow.

They are the New Invincibles.