Intensity challenge for mighty Springboks before All Blacks rematch

The front page headline on Sunday in South Africa's biggest Afrikaans language newspaper screamed, "Best in a century" after the Springboks outplayed New Zealand 26-10 in the Rugby Championship opener this weekend.

It was South Africa's biggest winning margin against the All Blacks since they won 17-0 in Durban in 1928 - and Rapport backed up their headline with three pages of rave reviews of the Springboks' performance.

Hooker and man-of-the-match Malcolm Marx was given 10 out of 10 for his individual efforts, and six other Springboks were awarded nine out of 10, including scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, who came on to the field after just 43 seconds when Faf de Klerk was concussed.

READ | Malcolm Marx showered in praise after heroic Bok showing: 'He amplifies what we're about'

The Springboks' win heaped pressure on All Blacks coach Ian Foster, whose charges have lost five of their last six matches, including a home series against Ireland.

But Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi were wary about proclaiming a new era of dominance against their long-time rivals.

The teams meet again at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, and the South Africans know that matching the intensity they showed in Mbombela will be a challenge.

Kolisi said the support of a packed 42 367 crowd had inspired his players, from the rousing rendition of the national anthem through to the final whistle.

"I just don't know how South African people do it," said Kolisi. "The way they turn up with everything that's going on in our country.

"People who can still afford it, still come along and still fill up the stadium for us, and it means the world to us as a team.

"It feels good, but we know the championship is not done yet. We have five more