I've just been spending my lunch break reading a number of news articles talking down the all blacks chances both for this next game and the world cup, and its got me thinking how long its been since we've played badly in a match that really mattered.

Maybe I'm glossing over patchy performances as they were wins but the way I see it this current team really does perform when most is at stake.

• 45-6 thrashing of France in '04 just when a lot were doubting the current coaching setup
• Lions convincing clean sweep 21-3 then 48-18 being the most important games there.
• '05 Tri Nations decider vs South Africa 31-27
• The Grand Slam including the nail biting yellow card-fest vs England.
• Finally the Durban game against the super 14 finalists South Africa 'A'

The only blemish I really see is the loss to South Africa in Rustenberg '06 when a rare series win in South Africa was on the line, but even then I don't remember a huge amount being made of the prospect, in fact wasn't Henry saying a loss would be good for the team?

I think losing that game to Mortlocks men two weeks ago could very well be the best thing to happen to this team.  This weekend we actually get to see our top team under pressure in an important game against opposition who they must respect. This is where it all falls into place, I reckon AB's by at least 20.