All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has insisted it "won't be the end of the world" if they lose their opening Rugby World Cup blockbuster against South Africa on Saturday.
Every team that has won the World Cup has been unbeaten and Saturday's Pool B clash between New Zealand and South Africa in Yokohama promises to be one of the games of the tournament.
Hansen says teams don't have to necessarily win the pool to get into the final.
New Zealand and South Africa have won five Rugby World Cups between them. The last three All Black‑Springbok encounters saw a draw and one win each, by just two points both times.
The opening match of the Rugby World Cup kicks off this Friday between Japan and Russia at 10.45pm.
Fiji will face the Wallabies at 4.45pm this Saturday.
France and Argentina face off at 7.15pm Saturday while the All Blacks and Springboks clash at 9.45pm Saturday.
On Sunday, Italy and Namibia play at 5.15pm, Ireland and Scotland face off at 7.45pm Sunday while England clash with Tonga at 10.15pm Sunday.
Rugby.com.au
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