Former Springbok lock Mark Andrews on Friday presented the Test jerseys to the South African team to face the All Blacks in Saturday's Tri-Nations match in Durban.

Andrews, a veteran of 77 Tests and member of the Bok squad which won the Southern Hemisphere competition in 1998, told John Smit's team that he was honoured to be asked to make the presentation.

"Even though I have stopped playing, I could feel the adrenalin just walking into the team room," said Andrews.

"It is great to see a new generation of players wearing the jersey and I hope they honour and respect it as much as the players of my generation did."

Andrews congratulated captain John Smit on the eve of him becoming the most-capped international captain of all-time. He also wished wing Bryan Habana and centre Jean de Villiers well as they prepare to earn their 50th Test caps.

"It is a huge thing in any player's career to hit such a milestone," he said.

"But don't let records overshadow what you have to do on the field. The Boks against the All Blacks is a huge occasion. It is as big for them as it is for us and they value tomorrow [Saturday] as much as we do."

Andrews also added that preserving the traditions of Springbok rugby were very important.

"You guys are the guardians of the jersey for the next guy who will wear it. It's about tradition, and of great players living their dream. You are fulfilling that dream for many people and have great responsibility on and off the field," he said.