Listing recent Tri Nations winners is a straightforward job - New Zealand.

The All Blacks have not only won nine of the 13 Tri Nations tournaments, but have also won the last four. Not that all those wins have come easily, however.

In 2008 South Africa had begun as the world's strongest side after lifting the 2007 World Cup. They lost four of six matches, however, finishing bottom of the table. They did at least win in Carisbrook, though, ending New Zealand's world-record run of 30 consecutive home victories.

The tournament result hung on a dramatic final game in Brisbane, which the All Blacks snatched 28-24 after trailing 17-7. Fly-half Dan Carter scored the match-winning try.

The All Blacks had been more dominant in 2007, winning three of four games, while South Africa lagged behind with just a single victory. The formbook, however, would be turned upside down at the World Cup.

The key to 2007 came in Durban, when New Zealand beat the Springboks 26-21, just 10 weeks before the World Cup. The game was settled by a Joe Rokocoko touchdown with seven minutes left.

2006 had also been one-sided. Graham Henry's New Zealand had only lost one Test in the whole of 2005 - the away Tri Nations fixture against South Africa - and in 2006 they came within two minutes of a whitewash.

They won their first five games to ensure the crown before going down 21-20 away in Rustenburg, with André Pretorius kicking a penalty in the 78th minute to edge the Springboks home.