The final batch of players departed for New Zealand on Sunday, while several of the first-choice players arrived last week to start preparing.

By the same token the entire All Blacks squad was in Argentina for their 41-12 win over the Pumas in Mendoza.

The Springbok forwards coach, Deon Davids, said traveling in two groups was necessary to be competitive.

“That process started on Sunday with medical screening,” said Davids.

“It’s all about recovery now and to slot into the training sessions in New Zealand as quickly as possible.

“There are players in Auckland already who have acclimatised, so it will be a matter of aligning in terms of our plans going into this game against a very tough opponent.”

Davids added that the All Blacks were impressive in their start to the season with a very strong first half against Argentina in Mendoza and he expects them to be even more formidable on Saturday.

“I thought it was quite an impressive start by the All Blacks,” Davids added.

“They delivered quite a physical and intense performance, and the fact that they led 31-0 at the break shows what they can do when they get opportunities. For us it’s going to be very important to look after our possession.

“We're expecting a very tough, physical game from them. It’s never easy going down there, and with the crowd behind them, they’ll be an even tougher opponent.”

The Springboks will name their team at 9:00 on Tuesday morning, and Saturday’s Test at the Mt Smart Stadium on the North Island kicks off at 9:05.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport