All Blacks-Springboks classic returns to New Zealand after 4-year absence

The All Blacks and Springboks face off in a blockbuster test this weekend that is likely to decide the Rugby Championship and suggest which of the southern hemisphere superpowers is best-placed to challenge for the World Cup later this year.

The first edition of one of rugby's great fixtures to be held in New Zealand since before the last World Cup and the COVID pandemic, Saturday's clash at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium is one both teams have long had their eyes on.

The Springboks waltzed to a 43-12 victory over Australia in their tournament opener in Pretoria last week despite leaving out 14 players and sending them as an advance party to New Zealand.

Ten of them were named in the matchday squad on Tuesday, although nominated captain Eben Etzebeth might yet be inclined to pull out after the death of his father was confirmed on Thursday.

Even without the abrasive lock, the All Blacks can look forward to a huge battle up front from the Springboks pack with six hefty forwards named on the bench to ensure full physicality until the 80th minute.

It came as a surprise to no one that South Africa loose forward Kwagga Smith said on Wednesday the Springboks would be looking to focus on the set-piece and smothering defence to exert pressure on the All Blacks.

Barring the absence of injured regular flyhalf Handre Pollard, the backline is probably the strongest the world champions can put out with plenty of power and flair to exploit any defensive gaps that pressure creates.

New Zealand opened their campaign in the truncated three-game Rugby Championship with a 41-12 win in Argentina after flyhalf Damian McKenzie played the leading role in an early blitz of tries.

In an indication that they think game management and accurate