For free-scoring All Blacks

At a glance

offensive step up from last year where the All Blacks only managed four-plus tries in eight of their 14 tests (three, zero and two against the British and Irish Lions, three against South Africa in Cape Town, two against Australia in Brisbane and three against Scotland in Edinburgh).

Combatting the increasing rush defence trend has been a key, and a preference towards operating dual playmakers, with the first five-eighth and fullback combining more often, has been a part of that.

So far, so good, and now it remains to be seen if the All Blacks can crack the tougher nuts of England and Ireland, in potentially not-so-friendly conditions, just as easily.

New Zealand also have some competition for the world record, from none other than Namibia – a team they are grouped with at next year’s World Cup.

The African minnows also sit on a 12-game streak, having racked up their tries in wins over Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya (two each), Morocco and Senegal, and in two losses to Uruguay.

In what will be their first game in almost three months, Namibia even have the chance to beat the All Blacks to the new mark, as they play a few hours prior, but the world No 22 should face a fairly stiff task, away to No 19-ranked Russia in Krasnodar.