The All Blacks are notoriously great finishers of a rugby match.
South Africa, meanwhile, have failed over the past few years to close out matches and kill off their opponents.
Fans only have to turn the clock back to Loftus last year when the Springboks let slip a 30-13 lead against their rivals to lose the Test 32-30 after the All Blacks scored two tries in the final five minutes to clinch victory.
But a lot has changed since then according to Springbok flanker Francois Louw as the sides prepare to lock horns on the eve of the World Cup in Japan.
Heading into Saturday’s Pool B opener against the All Blacks in Yokohama, Louw, who will play off the bench, says: “It is a tactic, whether it’s mental or physical, in terms of finishing the game off.
SAD END: SA failed to beat the All Blacks after a lead last year. Photo: Kim Ludbrook/EPA.
“It’s an area we’ve grown in and will continue to focus on and work on.”
For them to get the better of their opponents, their bench will play a significant role.
Under coach Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks bench has moved away from mere substitutes and are now looking like genuine finishers, able to make game-changing impacts.
Louw, who covers the entire backrow, explains: “We tried to create a bit of a buzz around that [finishing off the game] – with the guys on the bench having a bit of work to do.
“Funny enough the last couple of seasons there has been some really interesting moments in the last 10 to 15 minutes – whether it’s hanging on for a win or fighting to get those last few points.
“We place a lot of emphasis on the bench coming on with real impact, energy and just trying to lift the game to finish it off.”