Different modern phase shift equivalent NN potentials are tested by ev
aluating the partial wave decomposition of the kinetic and potential e
nergy of the deuteron. Significant differences are found, which are tr
aced back to the matrix elements of the potentials at medium and large
momenta. The influence of the localisation of the one-pion-exchange c
ontribution to these potentials is analyzed in detail. (C) 1998 Elsevi
er Science B.V. All rights reserved.