The recent tour by the New Zealand team against South African franchises provided the All Blacks with a significant advantage in terms of acclimatization to local conditions and rest before the test match against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
One of the positive aspects for New Zealand was that the All Blacks team would be accustomed to South African conditions by the time they faced the Springboks on Saturday in Johannesburg. Following a successful start to the tour, where they won 38–21 against the Stormers on August 7, the All Blacks demonstrated dominance, defeating the Sharks 54–0, and subsequently surpassing the Bulls 50–19.
Meanwhile, the Springboks traveled to Argentina for a match on August 8 against Los Pumas, which they won 17–10 in Buenos Aires. Although the home side managed to adapt to South African conditions before the first test, the visitors may feel like the more prepared team at this moment.
Saturday's match will be the first of four test games between South Africa and New Zealand over the next month. Despite New Zealand using a wide squad during the tour matches, the time spent in the country gives them the biggest advantage, as their actual travel demands have significantly decreased.
For leading rugby players, minimal travel is a luxury usually only available in retirement. This lighter schedule allowed the All Blacks to enjoy quality rest off the field, sightseeing in the Rainbow Nation. However, Saturday is the time to get back to work, and the well-rested yet battle-tested All Blacks squad intends to make a strong impression on the Springboks.