AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) New Zealand will face their toughest test since the 2011 Rugby World Cup final when they take on South Africa in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.
New Zealand has not lost a test at Eden Park since 1994 and hasn't been beaten by the Springboks at the Auckland stadium since 1937. But South Africa already has made history in this tournament, breaking their winless streak in Brisbane where they beat Australia last weekend, and they enter the Auckland test unbeaten in nine tests.
"If you were to say to me who is our greatest foe then you'd have to say that is South Africa," All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said. "Both these teams have been one or two (in world rankings) or thereabouts as long as I have been here."
South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer was no less effusive, calling the All Blacks "the best team in the world" and describing Saturday's match, between teams unbeaten after three rounds of Rugby Championships matches, as "a big step up" for his side.
"I truly believe this is going to be the ultimate challenge - tougher than we've ever had before," Meyer said. "It's a great challenge. I love being in New Zealand, and that's the mindset we can't wait to get on the field."