Reflective All Blacks question own performances ahead of Bok clash: 'We don't like losing'

All Black coach Ian Foster said the two losses against Ireland that led to their historic series defeat gave them more time to reflect on why they hate losing.

Up until the second Test in Dunedin, the All Blacks had never lost to the Irish at home, but Andy Farrell's charges flipped the script to a point where they claimed a much-celebrated rubber.

That result has put Foster under significant pressure to deliver a positive result against the Springboks when they meet at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

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Foster said the occasion of Saturday's 102nd meeting between the sides gives them a lot to play for.

"We don't like losing, just like everyone doesn't like to do so. That always creates an edge in the group, along with a lot of reflection," Foster said.

"The players are reflecting on their own roles, performances, and how they grow. I'd certainly use the word reflection and that's created an edge.

"You dovetail that with where we are and who we are playing against, so we've got quite a great concoction.

South Africa

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Trevor Nyakane

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Willie le Roux

New Zealand

15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (captain), 6 Akira Ioane, 5