All Blacks now ready for a power surge

NEW ZEALAND are determined to learn the lessons of the past and insist they are happy to be considered favourites for the World Cup.

It is nothing new for the All Blacks to be labelled pre-tournament favourites ahead of a World Cup tournament but having won only one of the previous five, they have also had to endure being branded chokers after the competitions have finished.

Some have suggested they struggle to cope with the tag of favourites but the class of 2007 claim they are happy to be lauded as the best team in the world.