The All Blacks feel no burden of the past as they prepare to face Ireland in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, a year on from a historic series loss to their next opponents.
In July of 2022, Ireland came back from a 0-1 series deficit, and defeated the All Blacks 2-1 on home soil thanks to victories in Dunedin and Wellington.
The series was Ireland's first over New Zealand anywhere, and condemned the All Blacks to back-to-back home defeats for the first time since 1998.
But while Ireland are largely the same side since that victory, the All Blacks barely resemble that side beaten at Sky Stadium.
Of the 15 players that started that series decider, only seven will likely play in the same positions they did that night – if they start at all.
Captain Sam Cane, Codie Taylor, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith and Rieko Ioane are in line to keep their positions from that loss.
Meanwhile, the likes of Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan have found new homes elsewhere.
Of that same starting XV, three Sevu Reece, George Bower and Akira Ioane, aren't even in coach Ian Foster's World Cup squad.
Elsewhere, assistant coaches Brad Mooar and John Plumtree were sacked, and replaced by Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan respectively.
And because of the differing nature between the two All Blacks teams in question, halfback Smith is happy to write off any hurt suffered more than a year ago.
"Last year matters in a sense of taking the learnings," he said. "But I believe we're a totally different team to July last year.
"We've got new coaches, and as a group, that series really galvanised us.
"I can't wait to see what happens."
Without question, Ireland are the team to beat at this World Cup.
Coached by Andy Farrell, this Ireland outfit are on a 17-test winning streak, one shy of the tier one record held jointly by the All Blacks and England.
Victory on Sunday (NZ time) will see Ireland equal both rival nations, another win a week later will create a new record entirely.
However, history will also be against the men in green.
Never in their history have Ireland won a Rugby World Cup quarter-final, with this year undoubtedly marking their best chance to date to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
And while Ireland also enter the match as the world's No.1 ranked side, what's gone before will not matter once the opening whistle goes at the Stade de France.
"They've earned that right," said Smith. "Their record in the last two years proves that.
"But we're at a World Cup. We're playing in a final, it's all on the line.
"History is history. History is going to be created on Saturday, we'll see who comes out on top."
Should the result go against the All Blacks, though, it would mark the end of Smith's test career.
The 34-year-old is one of many players not returning to Aotearoa in 2024, rightfully opting to chase offshore financial security while allowing the next generation a chance to come through.
While Smith won't want to say goodbye, doing so against Ireland will be a full circle moment for the All Blacks' most-capped back, over a decade on from his first.
"My whole All Black career, we've had very tough encounters against Ireland," said Smith.
"They're who I debuted against, so it's very fond memories for me. [There's] ups and downs, wins and losses.
"They're a great team, the best team in the world. We're just really excited about the challenge.
"I can't wait."
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