South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer is doing everything he can to take the pressure of his side ahead of this weekend’s semi final against New Zealand, labelling the current crop of All Blacks as the greatest rugby side of all time.

“This is not just talk – I really believe they are the best side to ever play the game,” Meyer said. “If you look at their record over the last four years after the World Cup – usually after the World Cup there is a decline in performance.

“Steve [Hansen] has been there for eight years as an assistant [now head coach] and most of their coaching staff have gone on. They have just got better as they have gone on which doesn’t usually happen in world rugby.

“But in saying that, you have to believe that you can beat them.”

Many consider the 2011 World Cup winning All Blacks side as the best of all time, however Meyer thinks the Kiwis are even better now, four years on.

“What they do well is that because they have so many guys who played in the previous World Cup, they don’t buckle under pressure. They know how to take the pressure, they always come through in the final five minutes.

“They don’t have any weaknesses. I believe we have fallen backwards as a nation with our tactical kicking and they’ve really moved on. [Assistant coach] Mick Byrne has done a good job there.”

The Springboks have won just one of their past four matches against the All Blacks, however an average of just six points has separated the two sides throughout that period.

After a slow start to the World Cup, Meyer said he thinks his team is hitting form at the right end of the tournament.

“Saturday’s test is probably the biggest test ever because we are playing the All Blacks at their best,” Meyer said. “I’m happy with where are at the moment … I never thought a lot of these youngsters would play a few years back but I believe we are hitting form.”

New Zealand ran in nine tries to South Africa’s one in the two sides respective quarter finals, however Meyer said he backed his side to play an expansive style this weekend against the reigning champions.

“People will believe that [there is a clash in styles] but we play more or less the same. Their skill level and the way they play has been unbelievable [but] every time we’ve played them we’ve also scored a lot of tries. It’s never been a dull affair.”

South African side to play New Zealand (1-23)

Tendai Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Duane Vermeulen, Fourie du Preez, Handre Pollard, Bryan Habana, Damian De Allende, Jesse Kriel, JP Pietersen, Willie le Roux. Reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane, Jannie du Plessis, Victor Matfield, Willem Alberts, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, Jan Serfontein.