The introduction of a round of 16 for the expanded tournament has created an extra step. But the All Blacks will face a localised level of intensity when they are drawn against Bledisloe Cup rival Australia in pool play for the first time.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said after the draw, "We know we're going to have to play some big games to win the Rugby World Cup."
Being in the same pool as Australia at a World Cup for the first time was a different experience.
"We get to play them quite a lot, but its pretty special and unique to do it at a Rugby World Cup, especially theirs."
A schedule has not yet been released, but it is widely expected that the game could be used as an opener for the World Cup, and Robertson said that would be a special moment if it happened.
"There's no guarantee to it, but if it's at Optus [Stadium] and you're playing in front of a full house, it would be pretty special and one that as a player you look forward to.
"It's so close to home, there'll be a lot of Kiwis there."
Beyond the pool play and the newly introduced round of 16, it was clear that, as potential pool winners, the All Blacks could face South Africa in the quarterfinals.
"That's just part of the draw, you've got to embrace it."
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett said, "The competition format is an exciting thing and something different with the round of 16, and then you head into the quarterfinals.
"We're going to have to win four big games in a row so that is going to put some pressure on the depth of our squad."
Barrett said being in the pool with Australia would make for some fireworks in the round robin stage.
Robertson said there was still a lot to do before the RWC, and that they would play South Africa six times, including four times next year, before the Cup.
"There's a lot of chance for us to grow and get better in areas, and as a team. World rugby is the closest it's ever been. You know the last Rugby World Cup the amount of times that there was a single score play, seven points or under, down to three points and under. South Africa won their last three games by a point [to win the Cup]."
Barrett said that, having played the opening game of the 2023 World Cup against France, it was a huge occasion, and while the All Blacks lost to them, they still had every chance to lift the Cup.
"And we played Ireland in the quarterfinal, another huge game. Along the way, you're going to play one, two and three in the world, and it might not be in the final.
"That's the beauty of the World Cup. You're going to have to peak at the right time."
The most significant change for the 2027 event is that to win the Cup, sides will have to win four games in a row.
While games against the minnows in their pool would be expected to be easy wins, Barrett said it still required them not to look too far ahead and to take things a week at a time.
"Even in those smaller games, there are going to be areas where you can hone your craft if you want to be at the top of your game come that round of 16. I'd see those games as opportunities to refine your game."
Barrett, who is taking a break and is unlikely to play in next year's Super Rugby Pacific until later in the Crusaders' campaign, said that would give him 18 months' run-in to the World Cup in Australia.
He took some time after the 2023 World Cup to look at where he could be in 2027 and how he could contribute to the All Blacks.
He decided to break the four years into two segments.
"It has been a big couple of years in the role as captain and physically and mentally this break is at a good time."
