Rassie Erasmus and RG Snyman joined local journalists over Zoom on Monday. Image: Supplied
The World Champion-Springboks stand on the precipice of breaking yet another rugby record during the Rassie Erasmus era.
A victory against the All Blacks this Saturday would mark the Springboks' first Eden Park win since 1937.
The enormity of the occassion isn't lost on either side, who have also earmarked the fixture as a must-win for their respective Rugby Championship title hopes.
After an opening-round defeat to Australia at Ellis Park, South Africa got back to winning ways at the Cape Town Stadium, largely by sticking to their DNA.
As he continues to build depth in his South African squad, Erasmus has tinkered quite extensively with team selections and combinations in 2025.
Against the old foe however, he and his management team are inclined to take a more conservative approach.
"To win the Rugby Championship we have to win this match," the Bok coach said during a team press conference on Monday.
"Normally we don't experiment too much against the All Blacks. We will try and put the fittest, in-form, available team out there."
In team news, World-Cup winning scrumhalf Faf de Klerk received a late call-up to join the Springbok squad in New Zealand.
Bok hooker Bongi Mbonambi was unable to travel with the team due to a family illness.
The Springboks now have four scrumhalves in the squad for the two Tests in New Zealand.
"Morne van den Berg suffered a niggle at training, but he trained fully today, so he's looking good," Erasmus explained.
"Faf was called up as a precaution. He is an experienced player and brings a lot to the team."
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson meanwhile is dealing with several injury concerns.
One of the most significant setbacks is Timoci Tavatavanawai, who will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship after suffering a fractured radius during an NPC match for Tasman this past weekend.
The Springbok matchday 23 will be announced on Thursday.
LATEST SPRINGBOK SQUAD:
Forwards: Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs: Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Damian Willemse.