It took the All Blacks from September 1965 to June 1969 to create the record of 17 victorious Tests, while the Springboks have taken just 15 months to match it.
The foundation for the All Blacks' record was a 4-0 whitewash over the 1966 Lions and a hat-trick of wins over Wales and France. The big influences during that winning run were coach Fred Allen and Brian Lochore - captain in 14 of the wins. Colin Meads was the enforcer in the pack, while Ken Gray was a try-scoring prop.
Their winning sequence was:
Sept 18th 1965 v South Africa (Auckland) 20-3
The win for Wilson Whineray's team clinched the series 3-1.
JULY 16th 1966 v Lions (Dunedin) 20-3
The start of a whitewash. New Zealand used only 16 players in the four Tests. Mike Williment was key figure with two penalties, a conversion and a try.
AUG 6th 1966 v Lions (Wellington) 16-12
The only time the Lions could claim they were robbed. All Blacks forwards Colin Meads and Kel Tremain claimed tries and wing Tony Steel began a sequence of a try in three consecutive Tests.
AUG 27th 1966 v Lions (Christchurch) 19-6
All Blacks forwards again contributed to the tries, with Waka Nathan claiming two.
SEPT 10th 1966 v Lions (Auckland) 24-11
The Lions managed a couple of tries, but were unable to prevent a clean sweep.
AUG 19th 1967 v Australia (Wellington) 29-9
Steel continued his try-scoring with a double in a Test to mark the 75th anniversary of the NZRFU.
NOV 4th 1967 v England (Twickenham) 23-11
The start of a Grand Slam over four European nations. The Test kicked off six minutes early and the All Blacks were two tries up by the scheduled kick-off.
NOV 11th 1967 v Wales (Cardiff) 13-6
After five tries by the backs at Twickenham the pattern was maintained with two more against the Welsh.
NOV 25th 1967 v France (Paris) 21-15
Ian Kirkpatrick, later a great leader, marked his debut with a try.
DEC 2nd 1967 v Scotland (Murrayfield) 14-3
A win, but a blot on the All Blacks record when Colin Meads was sent off for dangerous play by Irish referee Kevin Kelleher. He was only the second player to be sent off in the 96-year history of international rugby.
JUNE 15th 1968 v Australia (Sydney) 27-11
Kirkpatrick, the first official substitute for the All Blacks, claimed a hat-trick of tries.
JUNE 22nd 1968 v Australia (Brisbane) 19-18
The Wallabies were leading 18-14 in the 78th minute when the local referee gave the All Blacks a winning penalty-try.
JULY 13th 1968 v France (Christchurch) 12-9
Fergie McCormick kicked three penalties to win.
JULY 27th 1968 v France (Wellington) 9-3
Another penalty hat-trick from McCormick was enough.
AUG 10th 1968 v France (Auckland) 19-12
Sid Going claimed a try double.
MAY 31st 1969 v Wales (Christchurch) 19-0
Wales, the Five Nations champions, were outclassed. All Blacks forward power was highlighted by three of the pack muscling over for tries.
JUNE 14th 1969 v Wales (Auckland) 33-12
McCormick set a world record of 24 points with five penalties, three conversions and a drop goal.
The All Black's winning run finally ended in South Africa a year later.
