DUNEDIN, New Zealand -- It is the ultimate rugby rivalry. New Zealand vs. South Africa. The All Blacks vs. the Springboks. For 73 years, the two teams have been rivals, and often bitter foes, striving for international rugby supremacy. But when they meet Saturday at Carisbrook in the First Test of a three-match series, it will be the first time they have played in New Zealand in 13 years. "Playing against South Africa is the ultimate as far as I'm concerned," said New Zealand team manager Colin Meads. "An All Black series against the Springboks brings back all the hype and the history" -- a sentiment echoed by players of both teams. Winger James Small declared: "A series win against the All Blacks would have to rank alongside winning the World Cup. And most of the players feel the same way." While Australia is the current world champion, South Africa and New Zealand have dominated in the past. South Africa is to play host to the World Cup next year and expectations at home are high. The Springboks, with a 20-16 record against the All Blacks, are the only team in the world with a winning record against the New Zealanders. New Zealand, however, has just lost three straight test matches for the first time in 23 years. Defeats against England and then two in succession at home against France have sparked calls for coach Laurie Mains to step down. Mains, however, said: "I'm no quitter. I have a job to do."
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