The All Blacks have done what was asked of them, holding onto the Bledisloe Cup for an 18th straight year.
The series might have got off to a slightly wobbly start in a 16-all draw in Wellington, before they hit their straps in Auckland and Sydney for resounding wins to claim the series with one match to play.
However, having made wholesale changes, the All Blacks were then beaten 24-22 by Australia, meaning Ian Foster's side finished with a 2-1-1 record from the coach's first four games in charge.
What then do we make of their progress under Foster to date?
Attack/Game plan: B+
Few teams in World Rugby would scoff at 15 tries in four tests - more than double that of the opposition. That return is skewed, somewhat, by the record 38-point victory in Sydney when the All Blacks ran in six tries, and should have claimed at least two more, but they will be largely satisfied with the direction of their attacking shape. Mass changes in the backline did not help the All Blacks attack in the Brisbane defeat, with TJ Perenara often delivering slow ball from the base and the Beauden Barrett-Ngani Laumape combination not immediately gelling again. With their first-choice line up in play there is, however, ample evidence to suggest Brad Mooar has added fresh ideas to the attacking portfolio, with the cross-field kick used in Sydney to create space and the blindside exploited well on other occasions too. Unearthing weapons such as Caleb Clarke, with his power and aerial abilities, has added another dimension to the attacking potency. The All Blacks remain the most lethal side in the world from counter attack but there is always room for improvement when they confront aggressive, rush defence that stifles key playmakers, as was the case in the opening Wellington draw when Richie Mo'unga endured a difficult outing with the All Blacks beaten to the punch at the breakdown.
Defence: C+
Seven tries conceded is a pass mark. Scott McLeod was allotted minimal time on the grass to implement his defensive vision under Steve Hansen, but as the only coaching member to carry on with Ian Foster he has since been given much more scope. Wallabies halfback Nic White expertly picked apart the All Blacks lazy ruck defending in the Wellington draw by regularly jumping out from the base and directing his big men into gaping holes. And in the Brisbane defeat, the All Blacks were guilty of passive defending in the same area at times, with fatigue a factor after being reduced to 13 men for 10 minutes at the backend of that match. In Auckland and Sydney, however, the rapid and aggressive defensive line speed set the tone for dominant victories. Ensuring that becomes habitual comes down to attitude. Overall, in four Tests, the All Blacks made 79 per cent of their tackles (452 of 537) - a rate they will want to improve.
Set-Piece: A
One of the best areas of their game. The All Blacks lineout has won 51 from 56; their scrum 22 from 24. In short, you can't ask for much more than that. Greg Feek has made an immediate impact with his knowledge of the northern game blending his experience as a former All Blacks prop. Sure, the All Blacks lost one crucial scrum in the closing stages of the Brisbane test largely thanks to Taniela Tupou's injection off the bench but that was with both packs reduced to seven men. Major fears around the All Blacks locking depth have been allayed with the rise of 20-year-old Tupou Vaa'i filling the void and Brodie Retallick still to return next year. The All Blacks have scored multiple tries from their set-piece - whether it's rolling maul push overs or planned moves such as the inside ball from Codie Taylor to George Bridge that Aaron Smith finished in Wellington. Such an accurate platform is a major underrated weapon.
Ian Foster: C+
With two Tests to finish the year against the Pumas the All Blacks record under Foster should improve. As it stands, however, a 50 percent win rate, with two victories, one loss and a draw, is far from ideal. The Wallabies, under Dave Rennie, are a renewed beast but as was evident in their Sydney horror show their depth of talent is well below New Zealand's. The All Blacks traditionally begin the year with a rusty performance and this has, of course, been a year like no other in terms of disruption. On that basis, Foster can be given some wriggle room. It's also clear the All Blacks are attempting to juggle multiple ideals. Had they rolled out the same starting 15 that hammered the Wallabies in Sydney, the result in Brisbane would likely be very different. Foster instead made 10 starting changes, including two positional switches, and showed little faith in his inexperienced bench, which undoubtedly contributed to that loss. Foster assumed the top job to a backdrop of discontent following the World Cup semifinal defeat to England and Scott Robertson's credentials being overlooked. Locking away the Bledisloe Cup ensures Foster gets a pass mark to this point but much work remains before he can claim to win over his objectors.
What they'll want out of Argentina Tests:
Expect rotation to continue, with the likes of Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi in line for his Test debut in either Sydney or Newcastle. The All Blacks will be keen to test different combinations, give rookies further experience, but amending areas of frustration from the loss in Brisbane is also essential. Top of that list will be discipline. The Wallabies successfully goaded the All Blacks into off the ball scuffles and the passionate Pumas will bring a similar fury to their breakdown work in particular. Keeping cool heads under pressure and in the heat of the moment will be a clear directive. Two comfortable victories to round out the year are ultimately expected given the Pumas' lack of match play this season but, as always, the All Blacks will be judged more on the clinical nature of their performance more than the scoreline.