Hosts New Zealand will present defending champions South Africa with their biggest obstacle in the World Cup starting next month despite successive Tri Nations' defeats.

The All Blacks were beaten 18-5 in Port Elizabeth then lost 25-20 to Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, a win which gave the Wallabies the Tri Nations' title.

Springboks coach, Peter de Villers said that nothing has changed and to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand will still be very tough and they are still the favourites for the World Cup.

The Springboks leave for New Zealand on Thursday, arriving on Saturday in Wellington, where they will open their World Cup campaign on Sept. 11 against Wales.

They are in the same pool with Fiji, Namibia and Samoa.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Source: stuff.co