For England, the time to test turf theories has come.
Two years from the rugby World Cup, with a set of youth in the summer and without the pressure of a six opponent in the summer, according to the autumn ranking, according to the rankings.
The nights may be drawn, but this is a week for blue sky thoughts and distant horizons.
Some of the seven changes to their starting XV were implemented. Full-Back Freddie Stewed has been sidelined with a hand injury. Wing Tom Roebuck has an ankle. Captain Mero Itoje, a stalwart of the team for almost a decade, is on the bench with a rare knock.
But head coach Steve Borthwick may have been spoiled for choice though.
With eight straight wins to buy some breathing space, his priority is the competition to push the squad to new heights, rather than continuing.
The focus is particularly sharp on the fly.
Fin Smith, Northampton’s clever young head gets the nod.
George Ford, who led the team in the summer, left. Marcus Smith, the spark in England’s central attack this time last year, is in his unassailable full-back slot.
Three to 10 will not go.
And while Kevin Sinfield talked about the edge and appetite that the cut and change brought to the camp, the assistant coach also admitted that there was frustration and disappointment in management as well.