The mighty All Blacks have won a remarkable 85% of every match they've ever participated in. And, when it comes to official test matches, The All Blacks have an impressive 76% success rate over the 400 tests they've played since their first against Australia in 1903.
Rugby Championship / Tri Nation dominance
The Rugby Championship is contested annually by Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Argentina joined in 2012, prior to this, the tournament was known at the Tri Nations. The inaugural tournament was in 1996, and was won by the All Blacks. Since then, New Zealand has won 12 titles, and South Africa and Australia have won three titles each.
It's in the blood
There have been 17 sets of father-son players in the All Blacks squad, and 34 sets of brothers.
There's Dan Carter
All Blacks Dan Carter models Jockey's new 3D underwear range at a launch in Auckland NZPA / Wayne Drought
Injured or not - Need I say more?
There's Richie McCaw
International player of the year, sportsman of the year, player of the year, most capped All Black captain, most tries by a forward, 14 wins from 14 tests in 2013...the list goes on. Let's face it, McCaw is a legend and deserves the title "Captain fantastic."
A surrogate religion
Last year sociology expert Associate Professor Mike Grimshaw said rugby was just as much a religion in New Zealand as ever before.
"It is a transnational experience via mass media and the way Super 15 rugby brings overseas teams to us. Like all religion it has become part of an on-going series of lifestyle choices fitted in among other competing choices," he said.
The haka
We received quite a bit of backlash when we reported there is evidence emerging that the haka is more of an emotional hindrance to the All Blacks than an effective means of intimidation. We love the haka, for some of us it's the highlight of the whole match.
Read more:
• All Blacks: Haka arousing second thoughts
• Herald on Sunday editorial: All Blacks off balance by the haka