New Zealand head coach Ian Foster says a showdown with the in-form Springboks is a challenge his All Blacks need following their 41-12 thumping of Argentina in Mendoza in the Rugby Championship.
Foster predicted Saturday's match against South Africa in Auckland will be a big one after the Springboks were equally dominant in their 43-12 defeat of Australia in Pretoria.
The clash at Auckland's Mount Smart looks set to determine the winners of the tournament, which was shortened to just three rounds of matches ahead of the Rugby World Cup in two months.
The Springboks fielded a weakened team in some positions against the Wallabies, choosing to fly a dozen players to New Zealand early in preparation to face the All Blacks.
Foster expects a blockbuster encounter.
"A big one - it's always big, we love playing South Africa," he said. "They have taken 10, 11 or 12 players and put them over in Auckland early, so they have clearly got a plan, but our purpose in these first two weeks is to get this group together. There is no better foe to play next."
Foster said his team can't expect to make the same scintillating start against the Springboks as they did in Mendoza, where they crossed for three tries in the opening 12 minutes against the Pumas.
New Zealand fly-half Damian McKenzie was among the standout performers after being named as a surprise starter ahead of Richie Mo'unga.
Australia coach Eddie Jones said he endured "a long day at the office" in Pretoria after a disastrous start to his second stint in charge of the Wallabies.
Upbeat before the tournament opener against under-strength South Africa, he watched his team crash to a massive defeat, concede two penalties tries and have two players yellow-carded.
Fly-half Damian McKenzie was among the All Blacks' standout performers. AFP
