ABS v Abs: Buff Boks are ready

If the Rugby World Cup title came down to a body building contest, the Springboks would be gold medal contenders.

South Africa face the All Blacks in an epic opening encounter on September 21, and the New Zealanders were once normally be tipped to be fitter and stronger than the Springboks.

But the South Africans have made massive fitness gains under hard taskmaster head coach Rassie Erasmus, with most players sporting six-packs after cutting back on the biltong and smashing weights.

The Springboks went shirtless at a recent gym session and a photograph has gone viral on social media.

From front-rowers to outside backs, the Boks look in tip-top shape and have earned the admiration of former Ireland forward Stephen Ferris. The ex-british and Irish Lions back-rower retweeted the Boks’ photo, saying: ‘‘A few half decent rigs... @rugbyworldcup contenders...? I wouldn’t be betting against them anyways.’’

The reality is most major international teams – the All Blacks included – could match the Springboks when it comes to pectoral preening following years of assiduous weight training.

Meanwhile, Springboks tighthead prop Trevor Nyakane is expected to be over a sprained knee in time for the All Blacks clash. He had to hobble off after 14 minutes during South Africa’s 41-7 win over Japan in Kumagaya last Friday.

Dallaglio felt the All Blacks must still be favourites based on their history and the World Cup experience of their coaching staff.

‘‘Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s make it very clear that they are the No 1 side and the team to beat when they pick their players in their right positions, which I am sure they will do come their opening game and they go out there with their best available team. They are going to take some beating,’’ he told Rugby Pass.

‘‘They have a win ratio that is still above 90 per cent. That suggests that if you have only got to win seven games they are going to be the team to beat.

‘‘But the good news is that they have been a little bit more vulnerable than in the past and there is a much stronger case that you can build for some of the other sides on their day.’’