The All Blacks are chasing a 17th Test win in a row, which would equal a record mark for top-tier rugby nation they have achieved twice before.
"History suggests it's pretty tough to move past this level where we are at now," Read said.
"We want to go and get 17, but you can't be thinking about records once you are on the field."
Read disagrees with former All Black World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry that the Boks are on a downward spiral, despite a difficult year for the side in which they have lost three times in the Rugby Championship.
"Graham Henry likes making remarks about opposition teams to be honest," Read said with a chuckle.
"We truly respect them. The history of our two teams, we know how much it means to put on the Springbok jumper, it's the same as the All Black jumper for us.
"It doesn't matter who puts on the jersey for them, they're gonna come out at home and be a formidable opponent so it's going to be a good game."
The number eight said the All Blacks were expecting a fast match and are ready for a physical forward challenge.
- AAP