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EDINBURGH - If the All Blacks go on to win the rugby World Cup it will complete a perfect record in Europe under the current regime.
That's no coincidence in the view of assistant coach Wayne Smith, who says the players have developed an affinity with each of the countries they play in here which tends to bring out their best rugby.
Since head coach Graham Henry and assistants Smith and Steve Hansen took the reins, New Zealand have won all 14 games they have played in Europe and barely been pressed in any of them.
"We play pretty well up here because we're excited by coming here," Smith said.
"Our group really likes Europe because it's different. It's different to the routine of Super 14, Tri-Nations, home internationals."
Smith said the team had grown especially fond of France but also enjoyed their visit to Italy in 2004 and the various destinations in Britain, including Edinburgh, where they play Scotland in a pool match on Monday morning (NZT).
"It's great to catch up with people here and our supporters are really passionate over here as well, our expats.
"It's a good feeling and it just seems to suit us up here."
New Zealand's record against European teams is even more commanding when home games are included.
Since the loss to England at Wellington in early 2003, the All Blacks have won 25 consecutive games against European opposition.
Smith found it hard to play down such a decisive statistic but singled out three tight tests during that period that he said could have gone either way.
They were against Ireland in Hamilton last year (34-23), against England at Twickenham in 2005 (23-19) and Wales at Cardiff in 2004 (26-25).
Smith continued to dispute there was a gulf in ability between the leading northern and southern hemisphere sides at this World Cup, even though performances so far suggest New Zealand, South Africa and Australia are playing at a different level.
He said the Sanzar nations had an advantage in contesting the Tri-Nations about six weeks before the tournament.
"You've got northern hemisphere teams coming out of a layoff and a conditioning programme and then a couple of friendlies, so you can't compare the intensity of the two buildups," Smith said.
"But you'd expect three or four games would be enough to get back on track."
- NZPA
