5 Jul 2010

Boks coach says they're no longer in awe of ABs

7:13 am on 5 July 2010

The Springboks coach Peter de Villiers says they're no longer in awe of the All Blacks, and being the defending Tri-Nations champions doesn't create any extra pressure.

The Boks are on their way here for the opening game in Auckland on Saturday having chalked up back-to-back wins here, in Hamilton last year 32-29, and 30-28 in Dunedin in 2008.

de Villiers has shrugged off comments by the All Blacks coach Graham Henry and captain Richie McCaw that South Africa "played less rugby" than New Zealand and Australia, and would have to be "forced out of their comfort zone".

The Springboks haven't won in Auckland since 1937.