New Zealand qualified automatically for Rugby World Cup 2003 by virtue of reaching the semi final stage four years ago, although given the high standards set by the rugby loving public back home this was deemed a disappointment.
The All Blacks, who were one of the driving forces behind the proposal to stage a Rugby World Cup in the mid 1980s, have never failed to reach the semi final stages but have nonetheless only lifted the coveted trophy once.
That was in the inaugural event when New Zealand conceded only 52 points in six games en route to the title, having swept aside the challenges of Italy, Fiji, Argentina, Scotland, Wales and France.
In 1991 and 1999 they suffered semi final defeats by Australia and France respectively, while in 1995 they suffered a heartbreaking final defeat to South Africa thanks to Joel Stransky’s extra time winning drop goal.
However while the All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup only once, they hold many of the tournament records including the highest score (145), biggest winning margin (128) and most tries in one match (21) against Japan in 1995.
New Zealand also boast the most wins with 20 from 24 matches played and are the only team to have scored over 1,000 points in Rugby World Cup history, while their players head the most tries, conversions and points scored in a single tournament.
Many big names have donned the famous black jersey over the years with Colin Meads, Don Clarke, Waka Nathan, George Nepia, Sean Fitzpatrick, John Kirwan, Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu but a few.
Today’s All Blacks are joint favourites to win the tournament with their blend of strength upfront and pace throughout the backs, not least wings Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko, the latter having been a star on the IRB World Sevens Series.