Despite their struggles in recent years, the All Blacks have the players and personnel required to win this year's Rugby World Cup - former test first-five Stephen Donald believes.
In terms of World Rugby's standings, the All Blacks are currently ranked as the third best men's side on the planet, sitting behind European powerhouses Ireland and France.
But, as three-time winners of the Webb Ellis Trophy, the All Blacks are bookmakers' second favourites heading to France later this year, with only the hosts at shorter odds to win the World Cup.
A historic run of losses in 2022 has seen enthusiasm towards the All Blacks' chances of World Cup glory take a significant dip, while the seedings of this year's tournament will mean a tough ask for New Zealand to lift a fourth title.
Due to World Rugby's rankings at the time of the tournament draw, the All Blacks, hosts France, world No.1 Ireland and World Cup holders South Africa are all grouped on the same side of the draw.
And with the All Blacks placed in the same pool as France - with the two to contest the opening match in Paris on September 23 - a likely quarter-final clash against one of Ireland or South Africa awaits.
For 2011 World Cup hero turned SENZ radio host Donald, though, the All Blacks are shaping to peak at the perfect time, and make a run into the tournament as dark horses.
What's more, Donald also tips the European heavyweights of Ireland and France to succumb to expectation.
World No.1 Ireland have never advanced past the quarter-finals of a World Cup, while France have lost three finals - in 1987, 1999 and 2011 respectively.
"I think the All Blacks are in a great position," Donald told AM. "I know everyone was doom and gloom after last year.
"But when you look at everyone else that's there - the Irish are flavour of the month, but they've never made it past the quarter-finals. They're going to go there with all the hype and hoopla, how are they going to respond to that?
"The French - again, a lot of hype and hoopla. They're playing at home, they're a young team, how's that expectation going to go on them?
"The All Blacks are in as good a place as any. They're pretty settled. On the radio, we're always picking our 'form XV'.
"When you put them all together, it's a hell of a team."
However, the real joker in the pack lies in South Africa - who'll also be out to win a fourth title.
And with tournament play largely suiting South Africa's pragmatic style of play, Ian Foster's side could have their work cut out for them - if a match-up against holders eventuates.
"The one team I would [bet on] if I wasn't putting money on the All Blacks - which I have - would be the Springboks," he added.
"South Africa for me is the big one. It's going to be pretty much the same team that won it in Tokyo.
"They have a monstrous forward pack, they will not do anything other than use that forward pack, use their nine and ten to kick.
"We all know in World Cups and in tournament play, that's a fairly handy formula."
