New Zealand spearhead the final southern hemisphere assault of the November Rugby Union international season today at the end of an increasingly fraught month for the European nations.
Victory for the All Blacks over England at Twickenham and a win to Australia in their test against Wales in Cardiff (both 15.30) would result in a 20-0 scoreline home and away for the Tri-Nations teams over their Six Nations rivals this year.
The All Blacks, seeking a third grand slam, have not had their line crossed on successive Saturdays against Scotland, Ireland and Wales. England, under new manager Martin Johnson, leaked five in last Saturday's 42-6 loss to world champions South Africa.
Johnson, hailed as a messiah in England after lifting the World Cup in 2003, has largely kept faith with a side that have gone backwards in the past month. His one significant change for today's match has been to relegate flyhalf Danny Cipriani, who has given away three tries with charged-down punts.
Cipriani said this week he agreed with Johnson's decision although Daniel Carter, the masterly New Zealand flyhalf, would struggle with a pack as supine as the England eight and outside backs as inexperienced.
Carter has scored 120 points in six tests against England and the home side may have to settle for damage limitation against a team who will have played tests on five consecutive weekends after starting with a win over Australia in Hong Kong.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who endured his darkest hour when New Zealand were dumped out of last year's World Cup by France in their Cardiff quarter-final, could become the first New Zealand skipper to clinch two grand slams.
"It would be nice," he told reporters.
"With the year we have had with the Tri-nations then coming up here with Hong Kong on the way. It's been a big year but if we could finish off with a good performance I would be happy."
England are quoted at 10-1 to beat the All Blacks and Six Nations champions Wales are a more realistic bet to spoil a perfect record for the southern hemisphere giants in 2008.
Coach Warren Gatland was furious with his side when they failed to take their chances in the 20-15 loss to South Africa.
He was happier with a spirited first-half performance against New Zealand last week before the All Blacks blew the Welsh away with 20 unanswered points in the second half.
Wallaby flyhalf Matt Giteau, who has looked as dangerous as Carter on Australia's unbeaten tour, told reporters Wales were a fast improving side.
"All 15 players they have in their side can use the ball, they're a side that likes to use the ball, as we are as well, so it should be a good game," he said.
"Their defence, especially at the moment watching them against New Zealand, has improved a lot. So I'd say this week we'll get less opportunities than we did against England or France."