Rassie's warning against real All Black threat

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, has warned his compatriots about dismissing the threat posed by the embattled New Zealand team.

The All Blacks are busy preparing in Wellington, ahead of their two-match Rugby Championship series against the Springboks next month.

They are being written off and lambasted in their own country.

New Zealand-based RugbyPass correspondent Ben Smith even asked why are South African fans "cowering" at the prospect of the Boks sweeping the Kiwis two-nil next month.

"This is the worst All Black side in 25 years, statistically speaking," he said.

"Not a soul in New Zealand rates them. This is gift wrapped for you, two Tests at home."

Erasmus was certainly not buying into the hype of the Boks being outright favourites.

"I think the answer to that loaded question is actually very easy!" Erasmus replied to Smith.

"New Zealand has the players, coaches, supporters and ability to turn things around quickly," the SA Rugby boss said, adding: "And they always do!! Respect."

The Rugby Championship get underway at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on August 6, when South Africa host New Zealand in the tournament opener.

The two teams meet again a week later, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Why are South African fans cowering at the prospect of the Boks sweeping NZ 2-0? This is the worst AB side in 25 years statistically speaking. Not a soul in NZ rates them. This is gift wrapped for you, two tests at home. Cowardice preamble for the 'world champs' and all