The exodus of top All Blacks for European clubs is turning from a trickle into a flood, leaving New Zealand fans wondering if they will have to travel to London or Paris to see their top players.
This year's World Cup could be a watershed for the All Blacks, with four top players confirming their transfer overseas after rugby's showcase in France in September and October.
Several more are believed to be poised to announce big money contracts with northern hemisphere teams.
Not only will some of the world's best players be lost to New Zealand first class rugby and the Super 14. Only players from those competitions are eligible for the All Blacks, so the world supremacy of the national team is also at stake.
Fans' discontent turned to howls of anguish this month when Carl Hayman, widely recognized as the world's best prop, and lock Chris Jack joined the exodus to English clubs Newcastle and Saracens respectively.
What is different now, apart from the number of players leaving, is that players like Hayman and inside center Aaron Mauger are at the peak of their All Black careers, rather than cashing in during their declining years.
Fans have inundated local radio talk back shows, divided between fearing the end is nigh for All Black dominance, or confidently predicting the emergence of equally talented players to fill their big boots.
All Black halfback Byron Kelleher has also confirmed a move to French club Agen, while winger Rico Gear, veteran hooker Anton Oliver and utility back Luke McAlister are also amongst those reportedly poised to head north after the World Cup.
The main draw is money, although the players are reluctant to talk about the financial incentives, other than to admit the offers were too good to refuse.
Hayman is reportedly going to be paid about NZ$1 million (US$745,000) a year for his stint at Newcastle.
New Zealand player agent Rob Brady told the Dominion Post newspaper that an All Black was worth "north of NZ$1 million" a year to a European club, more than double what they can earn at home.
The New Zealand Rugby Union concedes it has no way of competing with the fat wallets of the European clubs.
"The incredible amounts of money on offer in the UK and France are making it increasingly difficult for the New Zealand Rugby Union to compete on straight dollar terms despite tremendous commercial support from our partners," New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said.
The New Zealand union reportedly offered to finance the purchase of a farm for Hayman but it wasn't enough.
Players also cite burnout and the desire for a change of lifestyle for their decisions to go.
Jack, who has played 57 Tests since 2001, said it wasn't a difficult decision to cut his ties with New Zealand rugby.
The 29-year-old said he wanted to be able to spend more time with his family and playing for one club, rather than dividing time between the All Blacks, Super 14 and provincial teams, would allow that.
All Black coach Graham Henry agreed the pressure on top New Zealand players is relentless.
"There are huge expectations on these guys. They play 12 or 13 Tests a season and they play big Super 14 games -- it is big games all the time," he said.
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