The All Blacks lost all three Tests against the Springboks in last year's tournament as Peter de Villiers' side claimed a third southern hemisphere title.
In particular McCaw's side struggled to match the physicality of the world champions, and also failed to deal with their accurate kick-and-chase game.
But while Crusaders flanker McCaw admits those defeats were hard to take, he knows his side must keep their calm and be methodical in the heat of battle.
"I guess there's a bit of memory about last year and the guys who were there are pretty keen to get stuck in again. It's been a while since we had a crack (at South Africa) and we've had a while to think about it," McCaw said.
"We've just got to be careful we don't get too caught up in that. I've been looking forward to it for a while, and the reality is in the Tri-Nations with two home games to start we've got to win them if we're going to be in with a shot."
Victory at Eden Park on Saturday would extend the visitors' 73-year wait for a win over the All Blacks in Auckland, but McCaw does not believe the outcome this weekend will have any meaning should the sides meet again during the latter stages of next year's World Cup, with both semi-finals and the final being played in the city.
"That's secondary," said McCaw. "It would be nice if that becomes the case, but it's not going to be the difference this week or next year. We do enjoy playing there and, hey, we'd love to keep that record going there and we certainly want to win on Saturday.
"But that's not the sole reason we want to do well. We want to do well because we want to beat the Springboks and win the Tri-Nations, and if it adds a bit to us down the track that will be good."
McCaw wins his 84th cap on Saturday as full-back Mils Muliaina and centre Ma'a Nonu, who has played just 70 minutes of club rugby since suffering a knee injury on the final weekend of the Super 14, edge out young guns Israel Dagg and Benson Stanley.
Up front Tom Donnelly continues alongside Brad Thorn in the second row while Tony Woodcock holds onto the loosehead prop spot ahead of Ben Franks.
Henry, whose starting XV is the most experienced in All Blacks history, boasting 671 caps, said: "The Springboks are the defending Tri-Nations champions and, like us, will be keen to kick off their campaign on a winning note.
"However, our squad has prepared well and the players are excited by the first-up challenge this weekend. It's going to be a massive kick-off to the competition."
De Villiers has delayed naming his side until Thursday due to injury concerns over lock Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw.
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