Who will win the BIG moments?
The game's two biggest rivals, the Springboks and All Backs, go head-to-head in the first of the World Cup semifinals – when they meet at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Kiwis are outright favourites, even more so in the wake of their 62-13 demolition of France in last week's quarterfinals.
Most bookmakers are suggesting the All Blacks will win comfortably, by at least two scores.
It is not a surprise that the Boks are backing themselves, but even they admit it will require something special – a combination of accurate execution and "winning the big moments" in the game.
Bok assistant coach John McFarland spoke of the great rivalry between the two teams, pointing to the fact that off the field they remain friends – regularly meeting in the week leading up to a Test to have dinner before the game.
London's traffic congestion might prevent this week's get-together from taking place.
However, nothing will stop the 'battle of the giants' from taking place at Twickenham on Saturday.
"It was a great performance from them," McFarland told a media briefing at the team's base in London, when asked about the All Blacks' ominous form in the quarterfinals.
"To score nine tries in a quarterfinal is brilliant," the defence mentor said, adding: "They just buried the French right from the start."
However, the Boks are not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
"It is up to us not to give them an turnover ball, it is up to us to stop their carriers on the gainline and it is up to us to be at our best," he said.
"There has been these intense battles between us over the years.
"In the last three games it came down to just one score and one moment.
"It is up to us to produce that on Saturday as well.
"If you look at Wellington [2-14], it was one try each [New Zealand won 14-10], at Ellis Park it was three tries to two [in July this year, when the All Blacks won 27-20] and just seven points in it. Then there's the one that we won with the penalty kicked at the end at Ellis Park [27-25 in October last year].
"The margins are very fine between us and them."
Having had more success against the world's No.1 side that any other, the Springboks – knowing that they can beat them – won't be choked by fear like so many of the Kiwis' rivals.
However, they are aware of the monumental task awaiting them.
"We see it as a massive challenge," McFarland said, adding: "There is great respect between the two nations, great respect between the players, great respect between the coaching staff."
He admitted the All Blacks did come up with some "different things" in their win over France.
"Dan Carter coming back, he hasn't played against us the last few encounters.
"Their exiting is a lot better with him there, and their composure.
"There are some new guys, like [Nehe] Milner-Skudder, who haven't played against us."
Utility back Pat Lambie echoed the Bok assistant coach's sentiments.
"The margins are so small at this level, you have to hang in there for the full 80 minutes – ensure you convert all your pressure into points and be able to absorb lots of pressure," Lambie said.
"When it counts the most, when it matters most, you need to be able to keep your composure."
@rugby365com
* The greatest rivalry in he game!
