Another crack at the elusive world record Test match winning streak is on the All Blacks radar.
Assistant coach Ian Foster revealed the milestone has loomed in their sights as motivation after thumping South Africa 41-13 in Christchurch on Saturday.
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» Five talking points
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» Read the full match report
» Watch all the highlights
It was their 15th successive win, leaving them two short of equalling the world mark, which they have hit twice before. The teams of 1965-69 and 2013-14 share the record with the 1997-98 Springboks.
Success on the road against Argentina and South Africa would set them up for a shot at the outright record against Australia in Auckland on October 22.
Despite their dominance of the last decade, the record has proved burdensome for the All Blacks.
They have reached 15 straight wins four previous times since 2006 but fallen short of 18 each time.
Australia were the culprits in 2014, squeezing out a 12-12 draw in a dour Bledisloe Cup Test.
The All Blacks have taken to setting statistical targets in recent times.
Becoming the first nation to defend the World Cup was a stated driver last year.
Foster quashed a suggestion they would seek to become the first team in Rugby Championship history to win all six Tests with a bonus point. They are four-from-four to date.
“I don’t think that’s powerful enough really. You don’t go into a game thinking you’re going to get bonus points,” he said.
Foster smiled when the winning streak target was put to him.
“Sounds a little bit more interesting, yeah.”
The All Blacks extended their world record winning streak on home soil to 44 with Saturday’s win.
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Tee Hee, Tee Hee, ~ well posted 'Poth', correct of course!
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Nah' Tman! They haven't got all the top trophies in the NZRU cabinet as I think the ARU have the Gay World Cup in theirs, won by the Convicts! ~ Can't win'em all mate!
Popeye
Guest
Well they could just keep playing Oz until they get to whatever number needed - Oz still qualifies as tier 1 right??
taylorman
Roar Guru
Cool, we'll probably have 480+ to spare anyway...we'll just focus on the next game I think. We're now in banana skin land as we were in 2010 with Hong Kong. Trophies away, on the road ...déjà vu.
Derm
Roar Guru
Black plates with numbers on the side and a L at the bottom. That'll work for the office across the way. :)
taylorman
Roar Guru
Na afraid not, just black plates with the numbers on one side and a large 'L' on the bottom. We had to save costs when we ordered up to 500 just in case.?
Derm
Roar Guru
Plates!! Gold rimmed china cups and saucers please for afternoon tea before my daily nap.
Lara
Guest
It is amazing that the ABs are in this position again .All other teams at this level have not ventured this far so often, so I give this team the credit it deserves.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Very true Poth, and we'll send you over a couple of nice shiny plates with the numbers 19 and 21 on them, but you will have to share plates 23-25 with your neighbours, and our little friend Warren of course.
taylorman
Roar Guru
So is the record of 18 for tier one sides versus all sides, tier one or not? Because many wins have not been against tier one sides. Perhaps just drop the 18 and go for 24!. I mean if not for the Sydney loss we'd be on 24 now. With things getting seemingly easier from this years margins...
Derm
Roar Guru
See? It wasn't that difficult to understand. Don't worry - when NZ get to 25, we'll all break out the bunting and champagne in spontaneous festivals right around the globe and every NZ fan will receive a personalised message of congratulations from the premier of Cyprus and a life size blowup doll of Syd Going to hang in their person- cave. ?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Don't need to attend with those little devices they have these days?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Ok, theyll just grab that record as well, argue about the semantics all you want, you'll have enough chances too.
Derm
Roar Guru
Read the headline. It refers to the world record. That world record is currently set by Cyprus. Search for most successive wins and you'll find the statsguru table. At the top is: Cyprus 24
Derm
Roar Guru
Check the Tier One countries with World Rugby site.
CUW
Guest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus_national_rugby_union_team
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Taylorman. The tier 1 nations are generally accepted as the 10 that participate in the 6 nations & RC.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Peter K - just wondering how many AB training session you have been present at?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Tier 1 is a lot less teams than you think it is. Scotland, Wales and Ireland are not considered tier 1. NZ, Aus, France, SA and Eng are tier one. This isn't about playing tier 1 sides it's about the record for a tier 1 side. It's not a formal record, just an accepted difference between that and say Cyprus.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well obviously you've been out of the conversations the last three or four times the ABs approached it. I didn't say tier one, I said top tier, a loose meaning of those that regularly play the top sides. There's an accepted separation. Anyway, the Cyprus number is probably on their minds as well...