The All Blacks will be motivated by a meaningful number in Perth but it won’t be the number two.
After a decade of holding the world no.1 ranking, New Zealand could potentially lose the top ranking to Wales if the Wallabies pull off an upset at Optus Stadium.
After 14 wins on the trot, Six Nations champs Wales could remarkably take the no.1 rank if they also beat England in their friendly at Twickenham on Sunday. Wales, it must be said, have not beaten New Zealand in their last 30 Test matches.
All Blacks captain Kieran Read said the Kiwis were not fazed about the prospect of being knocked off their long-held perch.
"Not really, it’s not even part of our equation to be honest,” Read said on Friday.
"We turn up here to win the game and we will try and do that again tomorrow. We know it won’t be easy. It never is over here."
The number that will mean a lot more to the All Blacks will be the number “637”, which will be embroidered onto each player’s jersey for the opening Bledisloe Cup.
It is the All Black number of the legendary Sir Brian Lochore, the ex-All Black coach and player, who died last week and was buried on Thursday.
The All Black jersey is rarely changed so the significance of the tribute can’t be underestimated.
"It’s special. He was not just a special All Black but he is a special New Zealander,” Read said.
"So he meant to a lot of people and for us a team it is a way to pay respects to him and his family and the contribution he made to New Zealand.
"He is one of those guys, once you got to know know the All Blacks and you’re involved, you looked up to him. He was a special man to talk to. He was very humble.”
The All Blacks may have held the Bledisloe Cup for 17 years but after a scratchy start to the Rugby Championship, and some positional experimentation, the Kiwis said they won’t be expecting an armchair ride in Perth.
"I think they've had the fire in the belly for the last few years, definitely. And we know they'll certainly have that again tomorrow night,” Read said.
"So we can't just rest on what we've done over those years, it's important we reset and make sure we go and play as well as we can.
"I've said it before, in these games you can't just rely on your skills, it's about your mental fortitude, how you turn up, and how you want to be physical."
An added incentive for New Zealand this weekend is the chance of clinching the Rugby Championship.
South Africa are currently at the top of the standings on seven points with the All Blacks on six.
If the Springboks beat Argentina with a bonus point they cannot be caught.
But if the All Blacks win against Australia and Argentina beat South Africa, the title goes to New Zealand.
The Wallabies take on New Zealand at Optus Stadium, Perth, on Saturday August 10, kicking off at 5;45pm local, 7;45pm AEST, with the Wallaroos-Black Ferns kicking off at 3pm local, 5pm AEST. The Wallabies are LIVE on Network Ten, FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and RUGBY.com.au RADIO while the Wallaroos will be shown on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
