The Springboks are at odds over the importance of lowering New Zealand’s flag ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Coach Heyneke Meyer says victory on Saturday in Wellington would have little or no psychological value going into the four-yearly showpiece, which kicks off in one year and six days’ time in England.

Meyer says a better pointer will be the form of teams later this year in the northern hemisphere, with the tournament to be hosted by England and Wales.

“It’d be great to win this game but I don’t think it’s the be all and end all,” he said.

“If you look at World Cups, it’s always more of an arm wrestle and any of the top six sides can win it.

“For us at the moment, it’s more important to improve how we play.”

Captain Jean de Villiers holds contrasting views, recently saying it is crucial the All Blacks don’t notch a second successive unbeaten season heading into World Cup year.

Veteran lock Victor Matfield says halting their momentum will inject doubts into the world champions.

“The more you can beat the All Blacks the better because you might face them in a World Cup and we know they will go in as favourites,” he said.

“There are a few of our guys who haven’t beaten them so it would be great if we can get in their heads that they are not invincible.”

Matfield shut down suggestions his lineout prowess could provide an edge this week against an All Blacks team missing injured lock Sam Whitelock.

He identified No.8 Kieran Read as the key figure in New Zealand’s lineout, which is vastly improved from five years ago when the set piece was a glaring All Blacks weakness.

“I think they understand the lineout better.

“A guy like Kieran Read makes a huge difference. If he wasn’t there then it might have been a different (kettle of) fish.”

Matfield, 37, ended a two-year retirement from rugby this year, stating a desire to contest next year’s World Cup.