Lambie, Pietersen size up All Blacks

Both players have faced the All Blacks numerous times and have a good idea of what to expect on Saturday. While Lambie is likely to feature off the bench, Pietersen will be charged with keeping the rampaging All Black wing Julian Savea in check.

Savea has been in scintillating form at the World Cup and his hat-trick against France proved that he has come into form at exactly the right time. Facing up against Savea is something Pietersen feels prepared for.

"Julian is playing very good rugby, you have to give credit to him. I think he's scored eight tries in four games so he is in great form. He's a player I always enjoy watching, he's a good player and difficult customer and I know it's going to be a big battle for me. But it's rugby, you live for challenges and moments like this, come Saturday I will bring my best and I'm sure he will too," Pietersen said.

"In the game of rugby the rules stay the same. He is my opposition and I have to do my homework. You have to give respect to your opposition and I have a lot for him and I'll have to be at my best because I'm playing against a special player."

Savea has been likened to All Black legend Jonah Lomu throughout his career and after Saturday's quarterfinal against France, the similarities seemed clear. But Pietersen played down the comparison while recognising Savea's talent.

"I don't think in today's world a player can be compared to Jonah Lomu. I think he did something to the game that nobody could have done - he changed the game. But Savea is a great player, whatever he does, he does it well. He is strong in contact, he's good under the high ball and he can also kick," Pietersen stressed.

Meanwhile Lambie believes that knowing the All Blacks so well does not necessarily make Saturday's knockout any less difficult.

"I wouldn't say it makes it any easier but the fact that we play against these players in Super Rugby and the Springboks play against the All Blacks often, I guess it does means you get to know your opposition a little bit better. So hopefully there won't be too many surprises," the Bok flyhalf said.

So do the Boks have the blueprint to beat the All Blacks at the World Cup?

"I think the margins are so small at this level and particularly when you play against the All Blacks that you have to hang in there for the full 80 minutes and convert all your pressure into points. You also have to absorb a lot pressure from them and when it matters most, you have to be able to keep your composure," Lambie added.

The Boks face the All Blacks at 17h00 on Saturday.

Twitter - @gazza_jenks/@ECRSportswave

Facebook  - ECRSportswave