All Blacks can't lose again: The side's impressive streak after a defeat

The All Blacks don't lose often. Losing two in a row? It's rarer than an attempted dropped kick.

Following the Wellington defeat to the Springboks two weeks ago, the All Blacks are looking to avoid something in Sunday's clash against Argentina that has never happened under the reign of coach Steve Hansen - back-to-back losses.

It's a remarkable statistic. The last time it happened was on the eve of the 2011 Rugby World Cup when the Sir Graham Henry-coached All Blacks were defeated in Port Elizabeth and Brisbane.

Sam Whitelock, who will captain the All Blacks on Sunday, started in both those losses.

It's a run of 97 tests since that 2011 loss to the Springboks was backed up by another defeat to Australia. Over that time the All Blacks have suffered just eight defeats but none back-to-back.

In the same seven-year time frame world number two ranked Ireland have suffered consecutive defeats on 10 occasions, England 12 times, South Africa 13 and Australia a staggering 20 times.

And that's just back-to-back. When you look at extended streaks it shows an even bigger gap between the All Blacks and the rest of the rugby world.

While New Zealand haven't even had a 'losing streak' of two - South Africa have had a four-game losing streak twice, Ireland a five-game losing streak while England have had two separate five-game losing streaks.

The last time the All Blacks had a losing streak of more than two games? 20 years ago.

Also working in the All Blacks' favour is that they've never lost to Argentina and were convincing 46-24 winners when they last met in Nelson on September 8. However they were equally highly-rated favourites against the Springboks.

This morning, veteran second five-eighth Sonny Bill Williams shared his experience of being in the environment following a New Zealand defeat.

"The times I have been involved in a loss, we delve deeper into the solutions and we have those tough conversations that need to be had. And we've done that this week," Williams said this morning after being named in the starting side for Sunday's test.

Number of consecutive defeats since August 27, 2011
All Blacks - 0
Ireland - 11
England - 12
South Africa - 13
Wales - 19
Australia - 20
Scotland - 23