It has taken them 651 Tests to reach this point for a success rate of 76.65 percent.
Typically, the keepers of the local rugby book of facts, the New Zealand Rugby Alamanack, Adrian Hill, and Campbell Burnes, have made their point in their 2025 edition, which Upstart Press just released.
Even if they can't win their first game, they will have plenty of time to notch the mark as the next highest winner of games before the start of the Six Nations was France, who had won 456 from 823 games with England back on 445 (801) and Wales 406 (797). South Africa, with 353 (555), was next among the top nations with a success rate of 63.60 percent.
The editors said that the defending Women's World Champion Black Ferns face a tough time in the World Cup this year. A first loss to Canada and a second to Ireland in 2024 were reminders of the work ahead of the side. Much interest would centre on which Black Ferns Sevens squad members decide to compete for places in the side.
Improved performances by the NZ Under-20 side, which won a bronze medal at their world championship, were welcomed. The editors were also pleased to see the 'open, unpredictable, compelling rugby' in Bunnings Warehouse NPC that Wellington won and the first lift in player numbers since 2019 among teenage boys and senior-grade men.
Traditionally, the Almanack has been an independent arbiter of national teams, although their sides can only ever be paper versions. However, being included remains a significant prize for the players chosen.
The change in the make-up of national sides in the wake of the 2023 Rugby World Cup was reflected in their choices. There was no place for outgoing halfback TJ Perenara or first five-eighths/fullback Beauden Barrett in the starting All Blacks XV.
The Almanack's New Zealand XV for 2024 was: 15.Will Jordan, 14.Mark Tele'a, 13.Rieko Ioane, 12.Jordie Barrett, 11.Caleb Clarke, 10.Damian McKenzie, 9.Cameron Roigard, 8.Ardie Savea, 7.Sam Cane, 6.Wallace Sititi, 5.Tupou Vaa'i, 4.Scott Barrett, 3.Tyrel Lomax, 2.Codie Taylor, 1.Ethan de Groot.
Substitutes: 16.Asafo Aumua, 17.Tamaiti Williams, 18.Pasilio Tosi, 19.Patrick Tuipulotu, 20.Hoskins Sotutu, 21.Cortez Ratima, 22.Beauden Barrett, 23.Emoni Narawa.
The Five Players of the Year were Caleb Clarke, Tyrel Lomax, Wallace Sititi, Hoskins Sotutu, and Tupou Vaa'i.
The Five Promising Players of the Year were Cameron Church, Callum Harkin, Oliver Mathis, Dylan Pledger, and James White.
The Black Ferns XV was: 15.Renee Holmes, 14.Katelyn Vahakolo, 13.Hollyrae Mete, 12.Sylvia Brunt, 11.Mererangi Paul, 10.Ruahei Demant, 9.Iritana Hohaia, 8.Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 7.Kennedy Tukuafu, 5.Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 5.Alana Bremner, 4.Maia Roos, 3.Tanya Kalounivale, 2.George Ponsonby, 1.Chryss Viliko.
Substitutes: 16.Luka Connor, 17.Kate Henwood, 18.Amy Rule, 19.Maama Vaipulu, 20.Layla Sae, 21.Maia Joseph, 22, Krysten Cottrell, 23.Jaymie Kolose.
The Women's Player of the Year was Sevens star and the winner of the 2024 Kelvin Tremain Memorial Player of the Year award, Jorja Miller.
The Promising Player of the Year was Mikayla Joy Suluape.
Another development in the women's game that skipped under the radar of many, but not the editors of the Almanack, was the first tour overseas by the recently-formed New Zealand Universities women who travelled to Australia – 116 years after the men first made the journey.
One of their two games had to be abandoned due to poor weather, but they beat the Queensland Reds women 24-21 in their game. The game was not considered first-class.
Through 89 editions, the NZ Rugby Almanack has provided a continuous record of fact and statistical achievement in the national game, which is highlighted in the 2025 edition once again. A rugby world without access to the compendium of information it contains would be impossible to imagine.
2025 Rugby Almanack, editors Adrian Hill, Campbell Burnes. Published by Upstart Press, Auckland. RRP $55.