In amongst a rather meaningless romp at Soldier Field yesterday, two pretty important All Blacks marked their rugby returns in mighty encouraging fashion.
Master five-eighths Dan Carter played his first test in a year when he got through 30 very encouraging minutes off the bench in the 74-6 demolition of a defensively feeble USA side; and the code-hopping mega-talent that is Sonny Bill Williams ended a two-year absence from rugby with an exhilarating 56 minutes before hobbling off with a hip pointer injury that he later shrugged off as nothing too serious.
Both were important performances from the wider All Black perspective, and afterwards both players remarked on their joy at coming through comeback appearances in such positive fashion.
It was especially encouraging to hear Williams talk of his satisfaction about being able to express himself in a free-flowing encounter where the All Blacks at times resembled the Harlem Globetrotters against the Washington Generals.
"The last couple of years being back in rugby league, I kinda missed that - being able to fully express yourself, be on both sides of the field and just look for opportunities," Williams said afterwards.
"Our forwards won the game today and us pretty boys out wide reaped the benefits."
Williams shrugged off his injury as "just a hip pointer" and felt with some work over the next 48 hours he would be fit to be considered to face the English.
"It was an awesome atmosphere, awesome to be part of such an historical event from a rugby sense and for me it was just awesome the last couple of weeks being back in the All Black environment."
Williams confirmed he was "100 per cent" keen to be part of the test against England at Twickenham next weekend. "Everyone is vying for that 22 next week and hopefully I'm no different," he said.
Coach Steve Hansen did little to quieten the enthusiasm around Williams' return to the 15-man code, describing him as a "pretty special player" and suggesting he looked "like he hadn't been away".
Williams admitted it's a significant period in his life as he returns to rugby eyeing some pretty major goals and also prepares to become a father for the first time.
"It's about keeping things simple and working hard on my game day to day. I'm going back to the Chiefs and being a father for the first time is massive.
"I'm just thankful to Steve Hansen and the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity. I don't want to let anyone down."
Carter admitted to some serious nerves ahead of his first test in a year, and confirmed his problem leg passed the test with flying colours.
"There was huge excitement throughout the week to put the black jersey back on and to get 30 minutes is really pleasing," he said. "I've played 100 test matches but there were still a few butterflies - that probably showed when the first two passes weren't so accurate.
"But then I got into the game and I was just pleased to get back into playing for the All Blacks and hopefully I can build from here."
And the leg?
"It came through extremely well. I didn't even feel it throughout the game. It's been a challenging last couple of months but all the hard work has paid off. It's no worse off for getting 30 minutes."
Both Carter and Williams understand the serious stuff is to come. But the journey begins with the first step, and theirs is now under way.
