Australia coach Robbie Deans feels his side's record against South Africa will count for nothing when they meet in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.
The Wallabies have won five of the last six meetings including two victories en route to winning the Tri Nations.
"Taking comfort from previous games is the quickest path to the airport," said Deans ahead of the 0600 BST kick-off.
South Africa assistant coach Gary Gold said: "Australia were very good in the Tri-Nations and haven't got any worse."
The defending champions have not lost a World Cup match since they were beaten by Australia in the 2003 quarter-finals.
But Deans insisted history would not have any bearing on the outcome of the match in Wellington.
"The knock out phases of the World Cup are completely different to every other type of rugby we play," he stated.
"The stakes are higher, the intensity greater and the margins between success and failure smaller.
"We've seen that to some extent already in the tournament through the key pool matches and you can pretty much guarantee that it will only intensify from here.
"History will be created this weekend and we desperately want our piece of it. There's no tomorrow, unless you create one for yourself."
The 52-year-old also praised the Springboks for their winning mentality.
"South Africa still have the core group from the last World Cup together," he commented. "They know what it takes to be successful in knockout rugby and know how to close out the tight games.
"They've already shown that in this tournament when they came from behind to beat Wales by a point.
"They have a group which has the knowledge and belief that it can get things done. They will bring that mentality forward with them on Sunday.
"If we are going to earn the right to advance to the next round, we have to match it."
South Africa are bidding to become the first back-to-back world champions following their win against England in Paris four years ago.
But Gold is focusing solely on Australia and believes an eagerly-awaited breakdown battle could prove the "defining factor".
Springboks openside flanker Heinrich Brussow and Australia's David Pocock go head to head in a contest that may go some way towards deciding which country meets New Zealand or Argentina in the semi-finals.
"The guys who master the breakdown the best and adhere to the referee's interpretations the best are probably going to be in the best position to win this game," said Gold.
Gold urged his side to focus on their strengths and not Australia's, adding: "The Australian team can live, physically, with the best at the moment.
"They are a very young and athletic side and they have exciting backs that will move you around the park. And they have forwards that can keep up, so they are a dangerous team.
"We've worked hard on them and we will give them the respect they deserve this weekend.
"But from our point of view we have our strengths as well, and it is important we concentrate on what our strengths are."
