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.