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Public antipathy towards the All Blacks has not receded, says assistant coach Wayne Smith, who hopes yet more Tri-Nations rugby success can chip away at the negative sentiment.
Beating Ireland and twin defeats of England last month were encouraging for a new-look New Zealand side heading into the opening Tri-Nations test against South Africa in Wellington tomorrow.
However, Smith senses it will take more to remove the disillusion that has existed for eight months in sections of the media and public following their World Cup failure.
Asked whether he felt internal pressure building within the All Blacks before facing the world champions, Smith said every test was now packed with importance as they tried to restore their standing in the public eye.
"The business end started for us against Ireland. If you have been in this country for the last five months, you would understand what I mean," Smith said.
"There has been a hell of a lot of pressure. We always feel that and it has been heightened a wee bit by the glare of the spotlight."
The All Blacks will take heart from their Tri-Nations record, with their success having escalated under coach Graham Henry and assistants Smith and Steve Hansen.
They have won the last three tournaments - the first team to do so - and have snared eight of the 12 titles, with the Wallabies and Springboks crowned champions just twice each.
"We're really proud of the fact we're Tri-Nations champs," Smith said.
"We're proud of the fact that we've edged ahead of Springboks in terms of results over 100 years (40 wins to 29). We put pressure on ourselves to continue that."
Twin defeats of South Africa, tomorrow and in Dunedin a week later, will be crucial for New Zealand's title hopes as home ground advantage has become increasingly influential in the Tri-Nations.
The hosts have won 53 of the total 75 matches and 25 of the last 30.
New Zealand's last Tri-Nations home defeat was seven years ago, against Australia in Dunedin.
- NZPA
