Outside centre Rieko Ioane says the All Blacks can’t wait to get stuck into the “world-class” Springboks when the two teams do battle in Nelspruit on Saturday.

The old rivals will clash at the Mbombela Stadium to kick off the 2022 Rugby Championship in the first Test between the two sides in the Republic since 2018.

They will then cross paths again a week later at Ellis Park in Johannesburg and, for Ioane, facing the world champions in their own backyard after a four-year hiatus is a challenge like no other for the Kiwis, even after a gruelling first home series defeat by Ireland.

“It is a completely different beast that we are facing this week. We know at home they [the Boks] won’t disappoint, so we’re looking forward to it,” he said.

“To not have that annual game over here builds the hype, especially on the outside with everyone looking forward to it. We’re just looking forward to putting out a decent performance on Saturday.”

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Ardie Savea scored a try in the final minute as the All Blacks staged a stunning comeback to secure a 32-30 victory over the Boks at Loftus Versfeld in 2018.

Ioane added: “Some of the toughest games I’ve played in the black jersey have been over here. The last time we were here, it went beyond the 80 minutes, and we really had to dig deep. But the hardest games, and the toughest places to play in, are the ones you want to be part of.

“I know the boys, especially the new boys, are excited by that challenge.

“We as backs need to fire, we know we are coming against a world-class outfit, especially in their backs. We need to get better all over the park whether it is on attack or D [defence]. There’s plenty to work on but we’re looking forward to it.”

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