The Bledisloe Cup has been important for All Blacks' sides since its revival in 1979 when Australia won the Cup for the first time in decades and paraded it as had never been done before.
Since reclaiming it in 2003 after an Australian tenure at the start of the century, there has been plenty of motivation to ensure it remains on New Zealand's side of the Tasman Sea.
All Blacks forward coach Jason Ryan said, "Every Bledisloe Cup match is different. And every Bledisloe Cup match you have to earn the right to grab the trophy.
"Pressure is a privilege; it should never be a burden.
"It doesn't go away any week, no matter what Test you've got. The Bledisloe means a lot. We've talked about it, we'll layer that during the week, as will Australia."
The All Blacks returned from South Africa acknowledging the world champions' success but knowing there were parts of the New Zealand game they needed to talk about honestly. However, there were aspects of the All Blacks' play that were positive.
Building on that will be part of their plan in the remaining two Tests of the Championship. With Joe Schmidt handling the Australian side, they know where they expect to see his impact.
"They'll want to play fast. He puts a lot of work into the breakdown side of things. He's had a good influence on their side already. He knows the game and come this Test, they'll be right on. We will be too."
New Zealand also knew that Ryan's predecessor, former scrum coach Mike Cron, was working with the Australians.
Cron rang Ryan before taking the Australian position to let him know, and he respected him for doing that.
Working with the All Blacks had been a significant part of Cron's coaching career.
"It's the coaching world isn't it? We're in a game where you don't know what's next."
They were aware of the threat of Tongan prop Taniela Tupou's ball-carrying ability and were interested in the effect Cron had on the Australian scrum.
At the same time, there are aspects of their game the All Blacks want to advance.
"We've got to put some things in place to be successful on Saturday night. We can get a bit more out of our scrum and we can get better ball at our lineout for the backs."
Ryan said selecting their locks for the Test was a tough decision, given Patrick Tuipulotu's return to the side.
The impressive form Tupou Vaa'i has shown while captain Scott Barrett and Tuipulotu were unavailable is standing in his way.
"He has been exceptional and probably been one of the in-form All Black forwards. It is a continuation of his great form for the Chiefs. He is well-established in the Test arena now. He's right up there with the world's best, and it's a credit to him.
"He's becoming a man, I guess. The future is all still in front of him. It's exciting. I am proud of Tups and how he has taken the bull by the horns and been exceptional."