Defending history will be just as important to the All Blacks as creating it in their season-ending Test against Ireland at Dublin.
Victory on Sunday would be New Zealand's 14th from 14 Tests this year, etching their name into the record books as the first side in the professional era to complete a perfect season.
It would also maintain the All Blacks' unbeaten record against Ireland, which dates back to their first meeting in Dublin 108 years ago.
New Zealand's record in 27 Tests is besmirched by a lone draw, 40 years ago.
That they haven't lost is something held dear by No.8 Kieran Read, although the topic hasn't been discussed openly this week.
"It's understood, it's one of those expectations," Read said.
"There's a few sides who haven't tasted victory against us and we don't want to be a part of a team who lets them."
Others in that category are Scotland (two draws from 29 Tests), Argentina (one draw from 18), Italy (winless from 12) and the Pacific Island nations (winless from 15).
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has enjoyed his share of easy wins over Ireland but also knows well the threat they can pose.
Sunday's Test falls 12 years and one week after McCaw made his debut for the All Blacks, when they were handed a mighty scare by the Irish in Dublin before emerging 40-29 winners.
The 123-Test flanker says focusing on the expected challenge of the men in green has taken priority this week over the prospect of completing an unbeaten season.
"When I have referred to the record with the players this week it has been in the context of getting it right on Sunday," he said.
"It will be nice to be out there at the end of 80 minutes with a grin on my face."
McCaw says there is a vastly different feeling within the squad, both physically and mentally, compared to last year when they stumbled to a 17-point loss in their final Test against England at Twickenham.
That remains their only defeat since winning the 2011 World Cup.
"Last year some were thinking only of the flight home," he said.
"This year we are not struggling, we are relatively fresh, I missed part of the season so I feel like I have only started the campaign, and am raring to go."
The All Blacks were greeted by good news on Friday when wing Julian Savea ran comfortably in a light training run.
The scorer of 18 tries in 19 Tests, Savea's place was in doubt after he limped out training on Thursday with a knee injury but he has been cleared to start.
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