The Springboks will host the All Blacks in two Rugby Championship Tests later this year, SA Rugby has confirmed.
The rugby governing body on Tuesday announced the Springboks' home Test schedule for 2022, with Wales also visiting South Africa for three Tests in July. NZ vs SA Rugby
The Boks will play two home Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand - at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit (6 August) and Ellis Park in Johannesburg (13 (August) - and one against Argentina at Kings Park in Durban (24 September).
New Zealand may be down, but South Africans are wary ahead of their two home Tests with the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship that starts in three weeks.
While the All Blacks lost their Steinlager Series 1-2 to Ireland, South Africa turned back a challenge from Wales to claim a 30-14 win in their series decider at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
After the win, thoughts turned immediately to the All Blacks.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber said the series win had not been a polished performance.
I think there's to lot to build still. I thought the set pieces functioned well, but still there were a couple of hiccups there – at scrum time, we're still getting used to the brake foot thing – we will get better at that, he said.
The South Africans feel the experimental scrum law has compromised their ability to use their scrum power.
The law requires that hookers on either side must ensure one foot extends towards the opposition during the crouch and bind phases of the scrum sequence. If there is no 'brake foot', then a free kick will be awarded.
Springboks prop Steve Kitshoff said the trial law is a problem for the side.
"We could see there was a lot of penalties and free kicks in Bloemfontein [second Test], and it was a focus point for us when we did our scrummaging.
"We need to find a spot for the hookers so they can engage over the foot or be in a good position.
"It is a new law and the referees call it for player safety and welfare. It is something that we have to adapt to fairly quickly, and find a way around it, so we can still have that powerful hit and scrum, and get a good scrum going," he said.
Nienaber said while they achieved their objective of winning the series, they were not a polished unit.
"We were frustrated with ourselves for not taking our opportunities," he said.
Like the All Blacks, who have lost lock Brodie Retallick for the tour, South Africa has concerns regarding wing Cheslin Kolbe, who suffered a facial injury against Wales. NZ vs SA Rugby live stream
Halfback Cobus Reinach and No8 Duane Vermeulen are doubtful for South Africa and need to pass fitness tests.