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EDINBURGH - The All Blacks feel they have nothing to hide from their major rugby World Cup rivals as the playoffs loom into view.
In just two weeks the New Zealand enter do-or-die territory against quarterfinal opponents who are likely to have studied every element and angle on
their playing methods, most notably their match here against Scotland on Monday morning (NZT).
The game at Murrayfield will provide the best insight into any of the All Blacks weaknesses because they are fielding close to their strongest 15 and are likely to be pressured into producing their best more so than in any other game in a lightweight pool.
Assistant coach Wayne Smith insists there is no point erecting a smokescreen and trying to send mixed messages to those scouting this weekend.
Whoever New Zealand's quarterfinal opponents were - either France, Argentina or Ireland - Smith said they would have well and truly dissected the New Zealand style by now.
"We'd certainly look at more than one game closely and I'm sure other teams do as well," he said.
"Most teams over here might have DVDs of the last three years of us, I'd suggest.
"Teams don't change all that often, we haven't changed a hell of a lot in the last three years."
Coach Graham Henry, Smith and assistant Steve Hansen were all to travel to Paris today to watch the crucial match between Ireland and France, looking to build their knowledge of both sides in readiness for a possible match against either at Cardiff on October 6.
"We know we're being closely scrutinised but we're scrutinising everyone else. At this level, the quality of the information is pretty high amongst all the teams," Smith said, before stating that New Zealand's own preparation was still far more important than any scouting and analysis of opponents.
This week's main focus was longer periods of concentration.
While happy with the one-sided defeats of Italy and Portugal, Smith said there were too many long periods where concentration dipped.
"We've played some good rugby in the last couple of games, it's just a matter of building up the length of time we play that rugby for... so that we're starting to play 60 or 70 minutes rather than 40," he said.
Adjusting to a later afternoon kickoff time, a new lighter coloured jersey and forecasted wet and windy conditions would be important tasks this week, but Smith couldn't foresee a problem.
The All Blacks players had evolved into a mature group who could handle such tweaks with minimum fuss.
That included altering the gameplan at short notice if the weather gods intervened.
"We think we can play several gameplans. If we have to adjust, we will," Smith said.
"But you also have to back your skills. If you concentrate and focus really hard, generally you can overcome the conditions.
"People are always on to us to tighten our game up but we play the way we want to play, the way that stimulates the players.
"We've been successful playing the way we play. I can't see why we'd want to change too much."
Smith is not comfortable with the Scots being written off.
They are winless in all 25 tests against the All Blacks but he does not think that is a fair reflection of their rivalry, particularly games in Edinburgh.
"I played here in a draw (25-25 in 1983). I looked back through the books and we haven't had one easy result here," he said.
"I assume it's going to be the same.
"They're a proud rugby nation, have a proud record and even though they've never beaten the All Blacks, it's always a pretty tight game."
This week has seen a change of intensity within the All Blacks.
While they have remained a relaxed group publicly, captain Richie McCaw's men have indicated there has been a lift in mental intensity.
Some no-nonsense training sessions have been a far cry from the 100-point romp against Portugal.
"We had an enjoyable week last week and the game went as we wanted. We got through all right," McCaw said.
"This week, you feel like you're in a bigger test match, which is probably quite good as well.
"From here on in, for the next five weeks, we're going to have to be on top of our game the whole way through.
"We'll definitely see exactly where we're at ... it's good for us."
Murrayfield looks like going close to being a 67,000-strong sellout, with only a limited number of tickets still available today.
- NZPA
