The All Blacks, sitting before the media in two tranches of three, are on frisky form at North Harbour Stadium, four days before they face Argentina in the fourth and last of the quarter-finals, in Auckland on Sunday. The very mention of "quarter-final" is to revisit the nightmare of four years ago in Cardiff when France, dishevelled and mutinous and remarkably similar to how they are here, produced a performance of character and creativity and sent New Zealand home.

Cardiff 2007 hurt. But, obviously, the question has to be asked. So, Ali Williams, about that quarter-final... "Stop," says the second-row, who has made a remarkable recovery from serious injury to both achilles tendons. "We want positivity. People, we don't need this. Can we start again?"

So, Ali, that quarter-final in 2007? He sighs theatrically. "We learned a lot four years ago," he said. "But it's only Wednesday, and we are preparing to play Argentina. It's unfair to make a comparison between their form in 2007 in the knock-out stages with their form in the pools here; wrong to think this lot are not as good. We have great respect for them. Take them lightly and we'll be having a quiet old Monday."

It probably would not be that quiet, for the sound of wailing would carry far and wide. But this is what stirs the juices of Brad Thorn, the second-row who will definitely make the All Blacks' starting line-up on Sunday. "I've enjoyed the last month," he rasps in his distinctive voice, "but from now on is what it's about. Just the knowledge that it's all on the line. Do the business or 'See you later'. This is refreshing."

Thorn is in the second tranche, one of two vast ex-rugby league bookends on either side of tiny Aaron Cruden, the diminutive replacement for Dan Carter, he who must not be mentioned. Is the 22-year-old from Manawatu having to learn all the moves in the All Black repertoire? "I've had to get my head down, yeah, trying to absorb it all, but it's not a huge manual. I just want to take advantage of this opportunity and work hard. I don't know if I'll get the opportunity to play, but if I do I'll give it a go."

The other bookend is Sonny Bill Williams. Where does he prefer to play? Quick as a flash he replies: "Probably No10." It means he has mentioned that which cannot be raised. "No," he continues, "before the World Cup I'd never played wing, but I like it. It covers all areas, moving across to full-back, roaming. But back to the question, I'll play anywhere. We can still express ourselves, as long as we acknowledge that this is knock-out football. No tomorrow."

Thorn nods, slowly, massively, all Rooster Cogburn. "That's why it's called Test rugby," he rasps, "because that's what you do, test yourself." He is asked about the latest impersonation of his voice. "I was bashed around the throat for years in league," he replies. "There have been a few who have tried to impersonate me." It comes out in a way that suggests he may not entirely approve. There is a sort of general clearing of the throat – anything not to sound like Brad.

Carter has been mentioned, and to Carter Sonny Bill returns. "It's a big blow that DC is out," he says. "We'd all have given up our place for him."

The throat-clearing stops. What?

"I know I would."

What? Sonny Bill throws himself in front of bus to save Carter? I am not sure anybody truly believes him. But it is on the record.

"But it's up to us to raise our game," he goes on. "Each of us. Everybody must give another 2%. We must be positive."

Theatricality and positivity win the day. It is all very genial and frisky. But as Ali Williams says: "The only thing that matters is Sunday." The All Backs are merely killing time until their quarter-final.