The record may read 14 All Blacks wins in their last 16 matches against the Springboks, but coach Steve Hansen insists their rivalry with South Africa is still as fearsome ever.
Speaking the morning after the All Blacks 57-0 demolition of their traditional foes in Albany on Saturday night, Hansen highlighted the additional edge in preparation that's apparent during any Test week against the Springboks.
"I think the scoreboard would probably make people think that it's not still a rivalry, but it definitely is," Hansen told reporters at a press conference in Auckland.
It's a Test that requires little need for any added motivation, said the head coach.
"I know the effort our guys put into preparing for South African teams, you can always feel it – there's a little bit more sting in it. It would be nice to be able to get that every week.
"Our guys have massive respect for them as a rugby nation and that’s why we prepare so well for them. It's an easy one to get up for."
Hansen admitted that it's a surplus of sting and self-inspiration that is probably impossible to produce on a weekly basis.
"Especially when there's some teams you know that when you play them you're going to beat them.
"That's what makes the external factors not as important as the internal ones. You've got to have an internal driver that makes you want to get up in the morning and be better."
For flanker Sam Cane, that spark has little do with recent results and more to do with the lengthy tradition of on-field war between the All Blacks and South Africa.
Despite New Zealand's dominance in the win column, there were plenty of contestst which saw them stretched to their absolute limit, he noted.
"Personally, I'm pretty well aware of the history that goes along with the two sides," said Cane.
"Even out of those wins, I can think of many that were pretty epic Test matches that really tested us, particularly the ones in Johannesburg in recent times.
"All of those games we had to be at our very best and it's lucky that we have been, because there's not much in it when we're not."
The wounded South Africans will be looking to restore some pride in the return fixture next month in Cape Town, the All Blacks departing via Buenos Aires on Friday.
Newshub.
