The Springbok vice-captain Victor Matfield says the Tri-Nations matches against New Zealand and Australia will require a significant lift in performance levels in comparison to the series against the British and Irish Lions.
Speaking ahead of Sunday morning's match against the All Blacks in Bloemfontein, Matfield says the clashes with the old traditional foe still represented the pinnacle for any Springbok.
He says he gets goose-bumps just thinking about the Haka, and for any Springbok they are the opponents you most want to play against and most want to beat.
The lock says the Tri-Nations is the toughest competition in the world.
Matfield says the altitude could be a big factor in Sunday morning's game and so it will be tough for the All Blacks.
