OPINION: "It reminds everybody you can't take it for granted."
And with that, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen seized the moment to send a distinctly blunt message throughout his squad.
The black jersey is a privilege to be preserved. No-one is above the team. Step out of line like this and you will feel Hansen's wrath.
Aaron Cruden's boozy night out had the potential to derail the All Blacks already-disrupted preparations in Argentina.
Instead, Hansen front-footed the issue to ensure it will not overshadow his side's collective objectives.
The easy option was to stand Cruden down for this week's assignment against the Pumas after his antics saw him miss the flight to Buenos Aires and allow him to rejoin the squad in South Africa.
In Hansen's eyes that was far too lenient. In giving his explanation for Cruden's punishment Hansen frequently made the comparison to a parent loving their kids but not always being thrilled with their behaviour. Any parent can relate to the value of trust and boundaries.
One of Hansen's greatest strengths is his ability to relate to all players from all walks of life - from Malakai Fekitoa to Owen Franks. He treats them all with humility and respect. He considers them sons and genuinely cares for their overall wellbeing, realising what happens on the field forms only a bite-size piece of the picture. That doesn't mean he lets emotive sentiment stand in the way of firm decisions. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Those relationships allow Hansen to be the kind of honest only families can get away with. You know, the type of comments grandma might make to mum around the dinner table that sees everyone else stop mid-chew or temporarily choke on the roast. (I am sure you had plenty of this Beanhead)
Hansen, too, is not afraid to publicly lambaste with the view of getting a rise from a player. Charlie Faumuina was the latest - the big Auckland prop told to lose weight and improve his scrummaging recently - but Steven Luatua and Sam Whitelock have also copped serves.
Ultimately, Cruden will similarly benefit from what is effectively a two-week internal suspension. This is stage one of Hansen's kick-and-hug approach - just don't tell the anti-smacking crew.
Cruden will be welcomed back for the third Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane but he won't forget the lessons from this episode anytime soon.
He will be forced to scrap to regain his spot and will surely think twice before overindulging on the eve of a tour again. Most importantly, Cruden will never take his spot for granted.
