The All Blacks are geared for a “huge battle” today in their Tri-Nations rugby rematch as the wounded Springboks draw on lessons from the past to ignite a return to form.
The Springboks were embarrassed by the way they were outclassed in last week’s 32-12 thrashing when the world’s top two sides clashed in the series’ opening match. The champions are desperate to repair their reputation after the All Blacks bagged four tries to zero and forced them to play second fiddle in their scrum and lineout stronghold.
With forecast rain in Wellington suiting the Springboks’ forward power game more than the All Blacks’ preference for slick, running rugby, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is predicting a much closer contest.
“Wet weather usually means there’s going to be even more emphasis on the physical battle and that’s something that’s going to be huge whether it’s dry or wet,” McCaw said as the All Blacks wrapped up training yesterday.
“They’re going to be pretty physical. That was a part of the game last week they didn’t get right and we’ve got to make sure we can match that,” he said.
Springbok captain John Smit only had to look back two years to find a reason why his side can turn the tables. After a 19-8 drubbing in the first Test in Wellington that year, the Springboks bounced back to produce a dramatic 30-28 victory a week later and register their first ever win at the Carisbrook ground in Dunedin.
“It’s the experiences from that turnaround week that the guys will hold on to,” he said. “The guys on that trip will have those memories of what can be done and what should be done if you apply yourself.”
Teams (15-1)
• New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Liam Messam, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg.
• South Africa: Zane Kirchner, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Wynand Oliver, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Ricky Januarie, Pierre Spies, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw, CJ van der Linde, John Smit (captain), Gurthro Steenkamp.
Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, BJ Botha, Andries Bekker, Ryan Kankowski, Ruan Pienaar, Butch James, Gio Aplon.
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