New Zealand captain Ardie Savea says his team are "just as good" as world champions South Africa ahead of a four-test series, which kicks off in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Marketed as the "Greatest Rivalry", the tests will continue a 105-year rivalry in which the All Blacks have won 63 tests, the Springboks 43 and four have been drawn.
"We respect the Springboks and the world-class outfit they are, but I believe we are just as good," he told reporters on Friday.
"The stakes are high, there is a lot of hype and edge around the series. I think that brings the best out of all the players," said the loose forward boasting 109 test caps.
Savea believes winning the first test is "crucial" in a series that moves to Cape Town next week, then back to Johannesburg before a climax in the American city of Baltimore on 12 September.
Match four of #RugbysGreatestRivalry 🚨
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 21, 2026
The All Blacks are unbeaten but now they face the Springboks in the first of four Test matches 🍿
Ellis Park awaits.. pic.twitter.com/ndx3GXW6sC
"The Springboks are at the peak of their game – whoever is putting on that green and gold jersey, they bring an edge, they bring physicality.
"And it is not just about their forwards. If they want, they have got the firepower out wide to play that sort of game.
"We know the threats they pose, and every time we play the Springboks, it is challenging. Every game against them is ultra physical.
"It takes you to places where you can kind of question yourself but, as an All Black, that is where you kind of want to be."
Savea will be making his first appearance of the tour after the All Blacks beat three South African franchises, the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls, in pre-test outings.
Head coach Dave Rennie believed the 32-year-old loose forward needed a break after playing continuously for 19 months.
"It was one of those things (rest) that you do not realise you need until you are in it. I was a dad, helping the wife where she needed me around the house.
"I am good, excited to be back in South Africa and hungry to get going, Playing at Ellis Park is a goosebumps moment. It is special," added Savea.
South Africa start the series as favourites, having won 12 tests in a row, and five of the last six against New Zealand.