'It's the greatest rivalry for a reason' - Handre Pollard pumped for All Blacks showdown

The double World Cup-winning Bok believes that the history between the two teams is a key reason the contest remains unmatched.

Pollard says there is an intensity to the rivalry that cannot be replicated elsewhere in the modern game.

"There's something about us playing New Zealand that brings out the best in the Springboks," he said.

"It's the greatest rivalry for a reason. I think the history and everything that goes with it is so deep and beautiful.

"For me personally, playing against the All Blacks is the fiercest competition but with the most respect always."

The double World Cup winner said the intensity of the contest remains unmatched in the modern game.

"You try and kill each other for 80 minutes but there's always that mutual respect between both nations.

"You want to go out there and just go at it in as violent a way as possible, but with that respect. I've always felt that's been there with New Zealand."

Pollard also reflected on the evolution of the Boks under head coach Rassie Erasmus since their rebuilding process began in 2018.

While South Africa's attacking play has blossomed in recent seasons, Pollard believes that growth has been built on the groundwork and identity first established during the early years under Erasmus, when the Boks were seen as more one-dimensional.

"It's been fun. We've really enjoyed it, but I don't think you get that without those first few years of just getting the basics in place and the fundamentals and the kicking game and all of that," he said.

"It's not always the prettiest thing in the world for people, but without that, you don't have the nice stuff."

Meanwhile, the arrival of attack coach Tony Brown has added another dimension to the Boks' attacking play, but Pollard reckons it hasn't been a dramatic shift.

"People think Tony coaches it very expansive and all that, but it's really not. It's very simple, very basic rugby.

"Especially Test rugby, it's always going to be gain line and physicality and then off the back of that, the nice things come and guys can put on a show for you."

Pollard reckons the key secret behind the Boks' recent success, however, is their impressive depth around the park.

"We're just so blessed with so many good players in this country. It is absolutely ridiculous in every single position," he added.

"I think we've always had that skill set in our players but now it's really coming to the fore."

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