The Test season may be in it's early stages, but the All Blacks seem to be progressing along nicely. And, after four wins in a row, they're heading back towards the top of the International ladder.

This year's approach seems different from what we've come to expect in recent times, with Graham Henry and the selectors sticking with more or less the same lineup for the first four Tests - it's been a breath of fresh air for all those calling for an end to the rotation system that Henry and co. have used in the past.

The changes they have made have been small, but ultimately successful, with guys like Richard Kahui, Rudi Wulf and Adam Thomson stepping up to the mark when given the opportunity.

There is a good balance in this year's squad, with the senior players providing a solid environment for the young guys to slot into. And it's working, too - the performances so far have been impressive.

Even the loss of Richie McCaw hasn't disrupted their game, with Rodney So'oialo stepping up to cover the injured McCaw. He certainly didn't disappoint us, leading from the front against the might of the Springbok forward pack.

Ma'a Nonu has been a revelation this year, as he continues to mature into a great inside center. He has developed his skills, and is proving that he is not one dimensional in his attack. He has been criticised in the past for trying to do everything himself, rather than passing the ball to his outside backs, but he is now using his brain and passing the ball a lot more - and that's putting the opposition in two minds as to what he's going to do.

His combination with Conrad Smith has been an outstanding feature so far this year, as the two Wellington boys have created havoc for their opposing backs - none more so than the English.

It looks as though we have found our best center pairing for some time, and with Kahui showing he's quite capable of handling the pressure of International rugby, the depth looks very secure for now.

The only real concern for us right now is the lack of depth in the lock and halfback positions. Ali Williams and Brad Thorn have been doing a fantastic job at lock, but with Thorn suspended for this weeks game against the Boks, our depth will really be tested.

Anthony Boric has had limited game time so far, and while he didn't look out of his depth against England, the Springboks will really test his capabilities at Test level.

We imagine Kevin O'Neill will come onto the bench this week, but he is yet to experience anything close to Test rugby. We still think Jason Eaton should be brought in to cover Thorn, but it's hard to see Henry selecting him after bringing in O'Neill to cover Williams last week. Even Ross Filipo or Hoani MacDonald would be better candidates for the locking position...

Andy Ellis has been given the halfback spot in all four Tests so far this year, but we have been less than impressed with his performances, and think Jimmy Cowan needs to start this weekend. Ellis's pass is slow, and he doesn't seem to have the strength to make decent runs from the back of the ruck - whereas Cowan is a strong runner, and can deliver the ball to Carter with some pace.

With Brendon Leonard out injured for the remainder of the season, Ellis needs to step up his game and prove he can perform at the Test level. If he can't, Piri Weepu must be brought back, whether Henry likes it or not.

We're very happy with how the All Blacks are going, and while we know it's still early days, we think they're showing that they're still the best side in the world.

The real test for the All Blacks will come when they play in Australia (who have shown good signs so far) and in South Africa, who are aways tough to beat at home.

We certainly don't expect the year to go without the odd glitch along the way, but if they continue to build on their performances so far...

Watch out, World.