The best of enemies
They just love to 'hate' each other, but that is only on the field. It is, without doubt, the greatest rivalry in the game – New Zealand versus South Africa.
The legendary ex Springbok Boy Louw once said: "When South Africa plays New Zealand, consider your country at war."
Louw coined the classic phrase ahead of a Test against New Zealand in 1949.
Almost 70 years later that is still the case and the players love the rivalry.
All Black hooker Dane Coles, who scored one of New Zealand's three tries in their 27-20 win over the Springboks at Ellis Park last Saturday, said the two countries have a "pretty special" relationship.
Running a sublime line and receiving a well-timed pass from replacement Malakai Fekitoa near the Springbok 22-metre line, Coles beat fullback Willi le Roux to score.
While the five-pointer was not as crucial as captain Richie McCaw's match-winning effort six minutes from time, Coles was just happy to have made a contribution to a very special occasion.
"I have played a few Tests now and I think it is one of the best Test matches you can ever play," Coles said.
"There is just so much history in Ellis Park."
He said he was "a bit scared" when he made his first visit to the iconic stadium in Johannesburg.
However, he now embraces the rivalry that has lost none of its allure over the years.
"The way the fans get behind the South Africans and sing the anthem – it is one of the top Test matches.
"The All Blacks and Springboks have mutual respect.
"We smash each other on the field, but afterwards the South Africans came into our change room, shake hands and everybody gets on pretty good.
"It is a pretty special relationship and one that will continue."
The two teams appear to be on course to meet in the World Cup semifinal, when the global showpiece takes place in England in September and October.
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
