South Africa secured third place at this year’s World Cup after a 24-13 win over Argentina, but winger Bryan Habana was unable to break the all-time try-scoring record.
It might not have the ancient animosities that are infused into every fibre of the northern hemisphere grudge matches, but it has become without doubt the biggest rivalry in rugby.
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has vigorously defended All Blacks captain Richie McCaw after video footage emerged of him apparently striking South Africa flanker Francois Louw during Saturday's World Cup semi-final at Twickenham.
South Africa star Schalk Burger knows all about winning against the odds - and a World Cup semi-final against New Zealand does not come close to matching what he has already achieved.
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has no doubt that South Africa will want to "rip our heads off" in Saturday's heavyweight World Cup semi-final clash at Twickenham.
Heyneke Meyer has branded New Zealand the best side in rugby history - but still insisted South Africa can topple the defending champions in Saturday's World Cup semi-final.
New Zealand centre Conrad Smith has described World Cup semi-final opponents South Africa as the All Blacks' "ultimate rival” ahead of the two southern hemisphere sides’ clash at Twickenham on Saturday.
The quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup kicked off in glorious fashion on Saturday, as South Africa and Wales fought out an enthralling contest at Twickenham.
Tyler Morgan will line up alongside George North in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday - less than four years after shaking his hand following a schoolboy cup match.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made three changes of personnel to his team for Saturday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against South Africa at Twickenham.
South Africa have recalled JP Pietersen for their World Cup quarter-final against Wales at Twickenham after the wing recovered from the knee injury that ruled him out against the USA.
Match citing commissioner Peter Larter is satisfied that "no biting incident occurred" during the course of Wednesday's World Cup pool game between South Africa and the United States, World Rugby have confirmed.
Bryan Habana equalled Jonah Lomu's World Cup try-scoring record as he led South Africa into the quarter-finals with a crushing victory over the United States at the Olympic Stadium.
Injuries have begun to mount at this year's World Cup with a comprehensive list now detailing the extent the injury bug has affected this year's competition.