New Zealand trained in Tokyo on Tuesday, continuing preparations for the defence of their Rugby World Cup title.

Steve Hansen’s side begin their campaign with a tasty Group B meeting against South Africa in Yokohama on Saturday.

The two Southern Hemisphere superpowers clashed recently in the Rugby Championship, drawing 16-16 in Wellington, while the Springboks have also tasted victory over the world champions in the last 12 months.

The All Blacks are bidding for an historic third successive World Cup triumph, with Hansen having played a part in the previous two.

Hansen, who will be stepping down from his role following the conclusion of the tournament, was an assistant to Graham Henry at the 2011 World Cup before taking the head coach role following victory on home soil.