All Blacks superstar Dan Carter admits that expectation comes with the territory for World Cup favourites New Zealand.
Carter and company are fine-tuning preparations for next Saturday's Pool C opener against Italy in Marseille at the same beach-front retreat used by England ahead of last month's tournament warm-up loss to France.
New Zealand will end a 20-year wait for finals glory if they justify overwhelming bookmakers' odds by landing the Webb Ellis Trophy at the Stade de France in just under seven weeks' time.
France and South Africa are perceived as the most realistic threats to their title hopes, but it will be a major surprise if the All Blacks fail to deliver.
Fly-half Carter said: "I guess that expectation, because we haven't won (the World Cup) in 20 years, is always going to be there. But that is not something we are focusing on. We have our own expectations to live up to.
"We really want to win this Rugby World Cup. It has always been in the back of our minds."
Italy, strongly fancied to eclipse Scotland for the Pool C runners-up spot, are first on New Zealand's World Cup radar at Stade Velodrome.
And the All Blacks are keen to get down to business, with Carter adding: "We are definitely not here for a holiday — we are ready to get on with the job. We know Italy are extremely passionate. They work hard at getting in your face and putting you under pressure."
And as for their main rivals, he said: "France have really stood up and shown they're capable, in addition to Australia and South Africa. On the day, any one team can get up — that is the beauty of the World Cup."
Italy coach Pierre Berbizier, meanwhile, admits the tension is getting to his players ahead of the opener.
Berbizier said: "I saw a little tension on our side which is absolutely normal when you know that in six days' time you are going to play the All Blacks.
"But I am happy with the way the training match went."
Berbizier praised the fans who are increasingly taking rugby to their hearts in Italy.
The Frenchman said: "It is great to have such support behind us but we are aware of the responsibility that places on our shoulders."
