All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is expecting the Springboks to return to their DNA – not only on Saturday against the Wallabies – but also when the two sides clash at Eden Park on 6 September.

Robertson told the media that he’s expecting a typically intense and brutal battle at the venue where the All Blacks’ proud 31-year record will be on the line. You’d have to go back even further to 1937 for the last time the Springboks beat the All Blacks at Eden Park.

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Looking back to the first Test between the Boks and the Wallabies at Ellis Park, Robertson says despite the eventual scoreline, it was a game of fine margins.

“It’s a game again of a bounce of a ball and a pass and a couple little moments,” Robertson reflected.

“South Africa played beautifully for a period of time and then it just turned, didn’t it? And it just shows, like I mentioned before, with discipline and accuracy and errors how things can change so quickly.”

Having hailed Rassie Erasmus for his innovation during the incoming series last month, Robertson feels the loss has narrowed the Boks’ focus and doesn’t expect them to deviate from their tried-and-tested blueprint.

“Does it change the way we’re going to play them? Look, we know how they’re going to play. They’re going to play to their strengths. They’ll go back to them. I think they will anyway. It’s just their DNA. But it’s just about how do you stop them, but also play your own game.”

With both sides eyeing Eden Park after their respective Tests on Saturday, Robertson is promising fireworks.

“It’ll be a hell of a fiery test. How good’s Test footy [rugby]? Everyone’s talking about it and there’s some great footy being played.”

Photo: Anton Geyser/AG Media