'Both teams will be desperate' - Rassie hails titanic clash with All Blacks at Eden Park

The Springboks haven't won at Eden Park since 1937, and the All Blacks haven't lost there since 1994, and Erasmus acknowledged both the challenge and the motivation that comes with with trying to break such a historic streak.

With South Africa desperate to win, and the All Blacks desperate to avoid defeat, the Bok coach admitted the stage was set for a titanic battle.

"It will make New Zealand as desperate as we are," Erasmus said ahead of Saturday's clash.

"We are desperate just to win here, as it doesn't happen often, not even to mention Eden Park.

"So for us it is a motivational thing, but it will motivate New Zealand even more and make them more desperate, so I think it's two teams where you're really going to see some guys putting everything out there."

Asked if the Boks were inspired by the Springbok Women's historic achievement in qualifying for the Rugby World Cup finals, Erasmus revealed he had woken up early to watch the game.

"It does inspire us," Erasmus said.

"I woke up at 02h30 in the morning (in New Zealand) to watch the match, and I'd like to congratulate Swys (de Bruin) and his team for what they achieved, and also SA Rugby for everything they are doing for women's rugby. We are immensely proud of them, and we wish them luck as they continue their campaign," he said.

Meanwhile, the Bok coach was asked why they were delaying their team announcement to Thursday, and flatly admitted they wanted to keep the All Blacks guessing for a little while longer this time around.

"It's a tough match for both sides, and they are a team that analyse thoroughly," he said.

"Over and above that, we are not sure what team they'll announce, while we also have a few injured players at home, and one or two who are not available for selection this week, so there's a bit of an unknown factor for us both. By announcing our team later in the week, we believe it will even things out more."

The Bok coach also took the opportunity to correct the speculation that scrumhalf Faf de Klerk was called up to the squad in place of hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

"Faf did not replace Bongi," he said. "Morne van den Berg suffered a niggle at training, but he trained fully today, so he's looking good. Faf was called up as a precaution. He is an experienced player and brings a lot to the team.

"In Bongi's case, there's an illness in his family, and he'll join us as quickly as he can, but we have sufficient cover in that position with Malcom (Marx), Marnus (van der Merwe), and Jan-Hendrik (Wessels), who can also cover prop."