10:23AM, Jul 15, 2009
Two Southern-hemisphere giants come to blows in what is sure to be an uncompromising Tri-Nations clash at Auckland's imposing Eden Park.
Both teams enter the series after gruelling winters and guaranteed there'll be no love lost between them.
Holders New Zealand have held the hoodoo over their Antipodean foes for the last few years, yet both will be eager to restore some honour as their fierce rivals South Africa bask in the glory of being the world's best team.
Fresh from their Lions victory, the Springboks are the team to beat and this clash in Auckland will go someway to seeing who will go on to challenge their global supremacy.
What is sure is that whoever emerges with trophy aloft will take some stopping as we gradually edge towards the next World Cup in 2011.
Find out when Tri-Nations matches are on TV.
