So, it will be 18 wins on the trot if the All Blacks do what the betting markets expect them to do and beat the Wallabies on Saturday night.

That's not the only figure I'm looking at. Before this run there were 17 matches unbeaten until the draw with the Wallabies in Brisbane in 2012. And since the opening game of the 2011 World Cup, they've won 36 Tests, drawn one and lost one.

Key man: Israel Folau will need to be heavily involved if the Wallabies have a hope of victory. Credit:Getty Images

We're all too intent on declaring their reign is coming to an end to confront what is really happening. They are three years into a four-year victory parade from World Cup to World Cup, unless the rest of the world can get its act together. Closing the gap? Everyone is making up their numbers.

Now, I sometimes run into hilarious attempts on comment boards or social media that outline my supposed 'allegiances'. They are like poor old George Brandis wrestling with his metadata. Born in New Zealand, raised in Northern Ireland, most of my working life spent in England or Australia, and now again in New Zealand. If I have a flag, it is one of convenience. If you know who I back, pass it on, I'd be glad to know myself.