Ardie Savea says New Zealand will be driven by a desire to preserve their proud unbeaten record against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The All Blacks have never lost to the Scots in 32 meetings over the past 120 years, a scenario the captain believes will sharpen the minds of the visitors.
“You don’t want to be the first team (to lose to Scotland), so that puts us on edge a bit,” said back-rower Savea.
“We also understand Scotland’s mindset as well and how much it will mean to them tomorrow. It builds appropriate fear and we don’t want that to happen.
“We’ve prepared well, done what we can do through the week, now it’s just about turning up and playing.”
Scotland
New Zealand
Savea played in the last meeting between the teams when the All Blacks had to come from 23-14 behind after an hour before winning 31-23 in 2022.
“It’s an amazing place to play,” he said of Murrayfield. “Scotland are a quality side. The last three games we’ve played it’s been within eight points.
“It’s no easy feat (to beat them), so we understand the challenge ahead and we’re really excited to come here and play.
“They’ve got some world-class players in their team, so that poses a threat.
“We’ve just got to turn up and nail our game.”
Savea is wary of the threat posed by Scotland talisman Finn Russell.
“I don’t know if there’s a way (to stop him),” he said. “It’s the beauty of a world-class player like Finn, he’s unpredictable. He does things no other players can do and I don’t think we can prepare.
“We’ve just got to nail our stuff in what we do and just try and shut his time down. He’s a world-class player and I’m really looking forward to playing against him.”