New Zealand's place in the highest echelons of world rugby is the result of on-field performance, but one of the biggest tests it has faced lies in securing its future, and by what means, off the field.
That puts a lot of pressure on administrators. Many of them are shorter-term appointments whose involvement is less than that of experienced players. Yet, they are required to make enduring decisions in the best interests of the game.
The Silver Lake option has been front and centre in recent weeks. But that has only been because of the disquiet registered by a central plank in the decision, the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association (NZRPA).
It was timely that as word of that disquiet emerged, it was around the same time as European football fans expressed their disgust at a potential breakaway competition by some of their most high-profile clubs.
Few of those beyond the financial environs involved would know and understand the implications of a private equity deal.
But advice suggests an intimate knowledge of procedures, both legal and financial, is required to ensure the best deal for the party that has most to lose if anything is left undone.
Word is that a Private Equity hedge fund would not transact unless there are odds of a return of between 500-1000 per cent.
Will the New Zealand Rugby team heading into the field of private equity have the acumen to ensure success in their business dealings in the same manner as the All Blacks have achieved in nearly 130 years of competition?
Has the right tactical plan been put in place? Has due respect been paid to the opposition? Has everyone had a chance to contribute to the match plan? What options are there for a Plan B if the weather turns rough?
It is further understood that Non-Disclosure Agreements are part of the negotiation process at this level, not only with the favoured party but with other prospective partners.
Has this occurred?
Notably, the NZRPA has been expressing disquiet when its chairman, former All Blacks captain David Kirk, is probably one of the best people available to New Zealand rugby as a whole, to speak the private equity language.
Because private equity is Silver Lake's raison d'être, it will have great levels of legal expertise to represent its position in various markets around the world. Does New Zealand Rugby have comparable levels of legal depth to secure its position?
Are considerations like these what is driving the NZRPA attitude?
When asked to support their national body did New Zealand Rugby's member unions understand what was involved? Do they understand the world of private equity deals? What have they been told?
Another consideration, has any effort been made to speak with British and Irish clubs about how they feel a year or two into their deals with CVC?
A recent article in The Guardian by respected rugby writer Robert Kitson said: "If you listen to all the trumpet fanfares following the confirmation of CVC's 365 million pound investment in the Six Nations championship, the 'gamechanger' is indeed the obvious phrase.
"Or is it? The truth is that no one can be entirely sure. On paper, it all sounds marvellous: more money in the coffers at a time when financial reserves are low, a shrewd commercial partner with expertise in the field of maximising digital and TV broadcasting review. Quick, where do I sign?
"In reality the equation is slightly less sexy. The average private equity firm could give a pool of piranha fish a lesson in the art of single-minded ruthlessness. A healthy return on investment, preferably sooner rather than later, is all that counts; the rest is frippery," he said.
There is one rather significant difference between the CVC and Silver Lake situations. The CVC deal is for the Six Nations competition. Silver Lake's arrangement is for a share of the commercial arm of NZR.
The All Blacks pride themselves on their preparation, their execution and their success. They live at the top of the rugby world because of their ongoing excellence, developed at least since the 1960s.
Can the game's administrators play the game at the same level with private equity?
For all the comparisons between players and administrators, the point is that a country's sporting legacy could be on the line, yet the final decision rests on a very few shoulders.
Not even the All Blacks can win their Tests without a full-scale commitment nor a complete understanding of the game plan and its implications.