The Boks have long prided themselves as one of the best, if not these best pack in world rugby.

The All Blacks in turn are always competitive, but some feel that they are not quite on the same level.

With their recent shake-up in their coaching structure, the All Blacks will want to prove a point, especially up front. On the weekend the former Sharks coach, John Plumtree, was sacked as the forwards coach and he was replaced by Jason Ryan who spent a great deal of his career at the Crusaders.

Springbok lock, Marvin Orie, said it will be a good battle among the big men.

“The All Blacks are known to have a strong set-piece,” said Orie.

“They have a lot of world class players, especially in the second-row. I think Brodie Retallick has been injured and Sam Whitelock also missed one game.

"It will be a good challenge for us. Luckily, in my opinion, we also have some world class players in the locks and the competition has been good so far.”

The Springboks and All Blacks battle it out next week Saturday at the Mbombela Stadium.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport