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Muller says 'Boks aim to take Kiwis on in the forwards

The All Blacks and Springboks wrapped up Test match preparations yesterday predicting a physical forward battle at this weekend's Tri-Nations rugby clash.

In a match which the All Blacks are expected to win handsomely, both camps also suggested that today's encounter at Christchurch's Jade Stadium could erupt at any stage.

"We're not here to make up the numbers," warned stand-in Springbok captain Johann Muller, saying his pack was intent on dominating the All Blacks up front.

Australia never let the All Blacks pack settle when they beat them 20-15 two weeks ago in Melbourne, and Muller also saw that as an area for South Africa to exploit.

"It starts at first phase, it always does," he said. "When your tight five doesn't perform it makes it difficult for the rest of the team."

"We pride ourselves that we're a physical side and we're not going to shy away from that, definitely not," he said.

When reminded that he was on the receiving end of an All Black punch in a Test last year, Muller said that was not an issue.

"I do remember that but that's part of the game, but it's a fantastic game and we're not going to complain about that," he said.

All Black captain Richie McCaw, a frequent target of the sly punch, suggested it was a growing problem.

"Some games are worse than others and it just depends on what's riding on it. I'm not the only one that gets hit," he said, adding "everyone's trying to find their way of getting the advantage."

Veteran All Black forward Reuben Thorne was less diplomatic, saying if the referee did not police the game strongly then players could take matters into their own hands.

But no matter how the game is played out, there is no escaping that both camps are more concerned with the rugby World Cup in two months.

New Zealand have made seven changes to their side, to give more players game time, while South Africa have left their top 20 players at home and in Muller they have their fourth captain in as many games.

It remains to be seen whether the traditional rivals can produce a satisfactory level of rugby.

The All Blacks are smarting after their recent defeat to Australia and have concerns that neither of their two stars - McCaw and flyhalf Daniel Carter - are performing near their peak.

However, the inclusion of Piri Weepu at halfback could provide Carter with cleaner ball giving him more space to play his natural game.

Further out, South Africa are intent on targeting the All Blacks in the midfield, an area Australia exploited when Luke McAlister was blooded at outside center.

McAlister has moved in one slot against the Springboks, who are eyeing his replacement Isaia Toeava.

"Toeava was the form player in the Super 14 this year but I'm sure we will test it," South Africa's backline coach Allister Coetzee said.

"He's made a couple of mistakes before and [that can happen again], under pressure," he said.

The All Blacks in turn are likely to pressure South African youngster JP Pietersen, with the 21-year-old being moved from the wing to fullback.

? White out of cup

AFP, LONDON

Test prop Julian White ruled himself out of England's World Cup campaign on Thursday.

Although he has agreed to put himself on standby for the duration of the two-month event, White will not be part of the defending champions' official 30-man squad in France.

He follows Northampton wing Ben Cohen in making himself unavailable ahead of coach Brian Ashton's squad announcement on Aug. 14.

Ashton, whose training squad is currently based at the University of Bath in southwest England, indicated on Thursday that White, who has farming commitments outside of rugby, did not want to be separated from his family.
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