The All Blacks aren't out for revenge against the Springboks, but the winner of this weekend's Rugby Championship in Wellington will gain confidence going in to the Rugby World Cup, says coach Steve Hansen.
Hansen says while the World Cup is his prized goal this year, he isn't concerned about what the match against South Africa on Saturday might mean ahead of their cup round-robin match in Japan in two months' time.
The All Blacks and South Africa clash in their opening pool match at the cup on September 21.
"The tradition is really important, we enjoy their company a lot, we respect them, we love the way they play and we love the challenge they bring to us, so from that point of view it is really important encounter," Hansen told reporters in Wellington.
After a long flight back from Argentina and a day of flight delays because of Wellington's low fog on Monday, Hansen was asked whether the result from Saturday's test would affect the world cup.
"I guess it will give whoever wins it a little confidence going in to the world cup, but it won't mean whoever wins this one will automatically win the one in the world cup. Even then whoever wins that game, it doesn't mean the other team is knocked out either.
"In the big scheme it gives everyone to have a wee look at each other and feel each other out, but I don't think it's going to affect the world cup, no."
Hansen was adamant this match wouldn't be about avenging last year's loss to the Springboks at the same venue, Westpac Stadium.
"Not too much....revenge, we are not in to that.
Hansen was pleased overall with the All Blacks' performance in Argentina, and said his newest recruits performed well, despite the side only winning 20-16 on Sunday (NZT).
Crusaders wing Sevu Reece debuted in the black jersey on the right wing, along with Atu Moli, Luke Jacobson and Braydon Ennor who came off the bench. Youngster Josh Ioane was the only new All Black not to get a run on the field.
Hansen said Ioane is getting his opportunity by being a part of the team.
"I think they get a lot of confidence the more they're in here. It can be a little bit overwhelming for some, and getting a game, getting the jersey on for the first time, getting a look at yourself in the mirror and all the things that come with your first time being named as an All Black to play is important to help that confidence, and then going out and playing well reinforces it.
"But just being around everybody and understanding that you fit in okay certainly helps.
"They're getting a bit more comfortable."
All Blacks who were part of the Crusaders Super Rugby winning side will return this weekend, and the new players are expected to sit it out. However, Hansen wasn't giving anything away about who would be picked ahead of Saturday's test.
"There's a lot of water to go under the bridge before we name the next squad," he said.
"A lot of things will be becoming a lot clearer, most of them have done themselves no harm at all."
Hansen will name the team to face South Africa on Thursday morning.