Conrad Smith knows the All Blacks are closing in on the record for the most successive wins in Test rugby, but he also realises that can give fresh motivation to the opposition.

If New Zealand can beat Australia in the third Bledisloe Cup fixture in Brisbane on Saturday it will be their 17th straight success, equalling the mark set by the All Blacks from 1965-1969 and the Springboks who matched that in 1997-1998. The record of 18 is held by Lithuania from 2008-2010.

The All Blacks’ last loss was to the Wallabies, 25-20, in Brisbane 14 months ago.

“We’re aware of it and not trying to hide away from it, but we know it doesn’t give you any points on the board,” Smith, a 62-Test veteran, said on Monday in Christchurch, where the All Blacks are based until departing for Brisbane on Thursday.

“So we acknowledge it and get back to the reason why we’ve got a string of wins like that. It’s because we work really hard and follow the processes for the week and we’re going to do that again. It (pending record) can motivate the opposition as much as ourselves.”

Assistant coach Ian Foster said the approaching record was not foremost in their minds.

“We are certainly aware of it, but there are a few factors this week for us. We’ve got Kevvie’s (hooker Keven Mealamu) 100th Test which is pretty special.”

Foster said rewards came if the right routines were followed in the lead-up to each Test.

“We know if we prepare well from Sunday to Friday it gives us a great opportunity to play well on Saturday night.”