The All Blacks have finally embraced the prospect of completing a perfect rugby season.

An enthralling 30-22 win over England at Twickenham leaves the tourists one victory away from becoming the world’s first professional team to win every Test played in a season.

Victory over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday would make it 14-from-14 and their first 100 per cent return since a perfect seven wins in 1989.

Up until the Twickenham win, the All Blacks have played down the possibility of achieving the feat.

However, it is now firmly on their radar says injured fly-half Dan Carter.

“I’ve been in this team for 11 years and never had an undefeated season,” he said.

“We’re on the verge of that. It’s going to be huge motivation this week, to really cap off an awesome year with a pretty unique bunch of guys.”

Carter will miss the Irish Test because of the Achilles injury that forced him off the field in his 100th Test.

At least one other centurion will also make way, with prop Tony Woodcock set to be ruled out by a hamstring injury.

Captain Richie McCaw welcomed the chance for his team to make history this week but, along with coach Steve Hansen, reminded them to stay focused.

“It’ll be nice to sit back and reflect on that but it ain’t going to just happen,” he said.

Hansen says there is a risk his players will subconsciously ease off after clearing what are widely regarded as the two biggest obstacles of their tour – France and England.

Ireland conceded four tries and scored none in their 32-15 loss to Australia, but Hansen anticipated a backlash from the hosts.

“If we start talking about the outcome, we’ll drop the ball,” Hansen said.

“If you start thinking the job’s been done without doing the genuine preparation, then you get caught out.”

Ireland’s New Zealand coach Joe Schmidt says a vast improvement will be needed if they are to record their first-ever win over the All Blacks.

Added to their poor performance was a hamstring injury suffered by Jonathan Sexton, which is likely to rule the British and Irish Lions first five-eighth out of the Test.

Schmidt says Ireland fell short in their set piece work and kicking game, giving the Wallabies freedom to launch attacks.

“It’s going to be a very tough ask (against New Zealand) but there’s a fair bit of character in the side and hopefully they come back and keep the supporters interested next week.”