Eben Etzebeth has labelled the rivalry between the All Blacks and the Springboks as the biggest in rugby.
Both sides have a rich history against one another and have won five world cups between the two nations.
Etzebeth, who will captain the Springboks this weekend, told media about the rivalry and what it meant to face the best team in the world.
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"Actually, this week, a New Zealand guy came up to me and said, forget the Wallabies, forget the British and Irish Lions. The Springboks and All Blacks is the biggest rivalry in world rugby," Etzebeth said.
"I think the same. Look back at World Cups where they've played each other or even normal games, and it's always massive.
"Tomorrow's the biggest challenge of the year so far."
"They're our biggest competition, and hopefully they know we're their biggest opposition."
"I am excited for this weekend. It is always a big rivalry so the guys will be ready. "
Despite both teams having a rich history, the Springboks have struggled as of late against New Zealand.
The All Blacks have won 12 of the last 14 Tests against South Africa. The last time the Springboks won in New Zealand was back in 2009 where they won 32-29 in Hamilton.
But Etzebeth isn't reading much into the history, saying it means nothing when you are out on the field.
"Once you jog onto the field, any records disappear out of your head. You don't really look to break records.
"You just want to win the Test match.
"I know they want to win the Test match tomorrow, and so do we so records don't count from much."
The Springboks also confirmed halfback Ross Cronje will miss the match with a stomach bug. Francois Hougaard will now start in the nine-jersey, with Rudy Paige coming onto the bench.
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