All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is urging his players to rise to the occasion, as they try to avoid back-to-back defeats against the resurgent Springboks for the first time since 2009.
When the two foes clashed in Wellington last month, South Africa came away with a famous 36-34 win.
It was the Boks' first victory over the All Blacks since 2014 and their first in New Zealand since 2009.
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On Sunday (NZ time), the All Blacks have a shot at redemption in their Rugby Championships clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
New Zealand head into the match as favourites, but Hansen isn't getting carried away.
"There's an edge about this match-up," said Hansen. "They beat us in the last game and that's why there's an edge now that probably hasn't been there for a while.
"You get that after you lose to a team. It's not a fear thing, it's more an understanding that you have to front up and do the job properly next time.
"That's when you have a real test match on your hands."
Hansen also spoke about the importance of this match, looking ahead to next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The two teams will clash in the Pool B opener in Yokohama next September, with the winner of that game likely to finish top of the group.
"They've already got that boost. There's some belief there now, not only for the players but for everybody who supports South Africa.
"They did well against us and showed an improvement in the recent game against Australia. They're winning and if they beat us again, that confidence is only going to grow.
"We're playing them in that pool match at the World Cup. That's going to be a colossal game.
"Whoever wins this one will take something forward. It's important that we don't lose this week."
Both teams have picked their strongest possible squads for Sunday's match.
Most of the players who featured in the Wellington test have been named to play in Pretoria.
The All Blacks have 12 starters who took the field in Wellington, while the Boks have 13 starting survivors from Westpac Stadium.
"The All Blacks usually hit back hard after a loss, so we have to be mentally and physically ready for a massive contest," said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
"We will have to front up in defence and be clinical when we create chances, because the All Blacks punish you for errors and missed opportunities."
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