Coach Steve Hansen says it would be arrogant to suggest the All Blacks will march through Europe next month unbeaten to secure the perfect season.
World champions New Zealand are 10 wins from 10 in 2013 following their 41-33 defeat of the Wallabies in Dunedin on Saturday to secure a clean sweep of the Bledisloe Cup.
The All Blacks’ speed and skill was again too much for an Australian side who brought a bright attacking game but never came within sight of winning after trailing 30-12 before halftime.
A 3-0 home series win over France in June and superb form in defending their Rugby Championship title raises the prospect of New Zealand’s first unbeaten season of the professional era.
Lying before them is a four-Test tour starting against Japan in Tokyo on November 2.
That’s followed by stronger foe in subsequent weekends – France, England and Ireland.
Hansen said winning in Europe would be no easy ride, noting France provided a stern challenge at times in June and would raise a level in Paris.
He also pointed to England’s stunning performance to win the Test at Twickenham last December 38-21.
“I don’t think we’ve got any right to go around thumping our chests saying that we’re unbeatable,” Hansen said.
“We’ll get our feet back on the ground and stay humble and keep working hard.
“We realise that if we don’t, then others will come past us. That’s not what we want.”
Hansen indicated nobody could afford to rest on their laurels when asked where improvement might come.
“Everything – we left tries out on the park again tonight; our set piece we can be better at.
“It doesn’t matter how well you play, you’re always striving to play better.”
Hansen was pleased his team had the mental capacity to lift for the Test in Dunedin, two weeks after the Rugby Championship-clinching thriller against South Africa in Johannesburg.
A tryless 18-18 draw in the equivalent dead rubber against Australia in Brisbane last year was a far cry from the thrilling seven-try affair in which the Wallabies played a major part.
Hansen said Australia would clearly develop into tough opponents in coming seasons following a patchy beginning under new coach Ewen McKenzie this year.
“This game’s about confidence and, if you don’t have it, it can affect your performance,” he said.
“But they seem to be getting it back, which can only be good for rugby.”