Robbie Deans believes the Springboks’ record dismantling of the Barbarians in Cape Town makes them favourites to snap the All Blacks’ historic run in Auckland this year.

Speaking after his Baa Baas side were outclassed 54-7 in wet conditions at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, Deans had high praise for Rassie Erasmus’ charges, and has “no doubt” that the world champions can conquer their old rivals in his homeland.

The Boks will face New Zealand twice in the Rugby Championship, with the first clash on 6 September at Eden Park, where the All Blacks haven’t lost in 50 Tests dating back to 1994. But Kiwi Deans sees no reason why South Africa can’t make history. 

“No doubt, it’ll be on their radar,” he said. “They are an experienced group and know how to win. There is a lot of footy to come before that [Eden Park], but it will just prepare them for that moment. It’s going to be a great occasion.”

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Deans believes the world champions have become a far more complete side than the one-dimensional units of the past. “They can play any way they choose, and they’ve developed the ability to do that,” he added.

“It helps over time because it takes the load off your group. Historically, they were quite one-dimensional, but good at it. Now they’re much more ambitious.”

“They’ve got some talent that other nations would give anything for. Players that can unlock a game, and that makes it hard.”

One of those players is Cheslin Kolbe, who was exceptional against the Baa Baas despite the inclement weather. The two-time World Cup winner scored a try, topped the stats in carries and line breaks and scooped the Man of the Match award. 

“I always enjoy watching Cheslin, even when I’m playing against him. He is just so positive, in contact and in the air. Just a freakish footballer,” Deans said.

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The hosts dominated the Barbarians through physical intensity and clinical execution, with debutant Vincent Tshituka scoring twice and the hosts finishing with eight tries to one.

It was a resounding start to a season for the Boks that includes Tests against Italy – the first of two kicking off at Loftus next Saturday – and Georgia before the start of the Rugby Championship in August.

“It’s never pleasant conceding that many points,” Deans said. “But you’re playing the world champs at home. The conditions suited them and didn’t help us settle. We couldn’t get enough ball or create pressure.

“It is certainly great stuff for their campaign.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images