Love is in the All Black air
Many of their wives and girlfriends are now with the team to help make the environment as normal as possible.
"It's important we don't get overawed by the week and actually remember to enjoy it because it's a special time and on top of that there's all that pressure," said flank Sam Cane.
Cane is expected to be one of 13 players in the match-day 23 to be named on Thursday who were not part of the victorious 2011 side.
When the All Blacks were grinding out an 7-8 win over France four years ago most of the class of 2015 watched the game on television with a few mates and a few beers.
But that performance was a powerful motivator in making them All Blacks.
They were earmarked by Steve Hansen as soon as he took over as head coach after New Zealand won the 2011 crown.
Hansen, with a burning desire to have the All Blacks become the first side to win consecutive World Cups, set in place a four-year plan and scoured the rugby-obsessed country for the most committed players he could find.
Now as the pressure mounts ahead of the ultimate showdown, the All Blacks have their companions and families to help keep them calm.
"It's a really nice break from the environment and pressures of rugby," Cane said.
"The boys seem to enjoy some normal time with loved ones."
Lock Brodie Retallick, who debuted in 2012 and was world player of the year in 2014, watched the 2011 final at a fire station where he was a volunteer firefighter, but said he would not switch places now with his younger self.
"It's been a hell of a ride so far. It's definitely a lot better to be out in the middle playing than sitting back and enjoying a cold one [beer]."
Scrumhalf Aaron Smith received his break in Super Rugby in 2011, was fired up by the World Cup win and was in the All Blacks less than a year later.
"It’s been pretty awesome. I remember watching the last World Cup and how amazing it was. I was just trying to go into Super Rugby and put my best foot forward and was able to get chosen for this amazing team," he recalled.
"I had a little moment after the game the other day thinking 'it's here', and how all the talk over the last four years had been always about heading towards this.
"As a player, you always have to put it to the back of your mind but it’s finally at a point now when we can talk about it because we’ve earned the right to play in the game that everyone wants to be a part of.
"It's a dream come true. As a Kiwi it's the best job you can have."
Agence France-Presse
