Rampant All Blacks eye outright record

NOT satisfied with setting a world record for top-tier sides with Saturday’s Australia thrashing, the All Blacks have immediately set their sights on the outright record which is seven games away.

To achieve that would mean a dramatic showdown with the British and Irish Lions in their third and final test when they tour New Zealand next year.

The 37-10 win over the Wallabies in Auckland was New Zealand’s 18th straight victory, eclipsing the 17 benchmark set by the 1965-69 All Blacks, and equalled twice since.

The outright record is 24 held by lowly Cyprus, a European Nations Cup division 2B team, in a six-year run up to 2014.

“That’s the next horizon isn’t it,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said after the historic six-tries-to-one hiding of Australia crowned New Zealand’s domination of major rugby playing countries.

“You have to win all the games between now and the end of the Lions series, so it’s a big challenge.”

The All Blacks have four tests remaining this year, against Ireland (twice), Italy and France on their northern tour next month before regrouping next year to play the Lions, a combination of the best players in the British Isles.

But while Hansen basked in the glory of collecting another record, after the All Blacks last year became the first side to win back-to-back World Cups, he was unhappy with the bitter reaction from the Wallabies.

Australia coach Michael Cheika refused to congratulate the New Zealanders, instead launching into a tirade about the refereeing and a perceived lack of respect by the All Blacks.

The controversy raged after a try to Henry Speight, which would have levelled the scores at 15-15, was disallowed.

Australia had been in with a chance to win the test, commanding the game for at least 50 minutes, but they seemed to lose heart after the try was disallowed.

Hansen accepted that was the turning point.

The All Blacks led 15-7 with three unconverted tries at the end of the first half in a period where Australia were in charge and when New Zealand had possession they either scored tries or knocked on.

Julian Savea scored twice and set up a try by Dane Coles in the All Blacks’ late surge, while Israel Dagg, Anton Lienert-Brown, and TJ Perenara also touched down with Aaron Cruden landing two conversions and a penalty.

Rory Arnold scored Australia’s only try with Bernard Foley adding a conversion and penalty.