All the history between world rugby’s two best teams, the All Blacks and South Africa, guarantees another epic contest at Eden Park on Saturday, but at its core is gaining an advantage in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship.
With both teams having won and lost a game apiece, neither has yet to show its best in the Championship, and that adds to the occasion.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said, “We’ve had some parts of our game that have been awesome and then some parts we have to get better at, and it hasn’t quite all come together. It’s a good week to make it happen.”
The Test is shaping as the most significant of his tenure.
“One plays two in the world; all eyes are watching. It’s exciting for us as a country.
“We’ve got a record we are proud of. We understand the figures, the history, the facts and the occasion.
“Human bodies get prepared by how the mind thinks, and half of New Zealand is coming.
Robertson said their last outing, a loss to Argentina, hurt. Their review highlighted areas where they needed improvement, and they are now focusing on achieving those goals ahead of Saturday.
That includes sharpening their aerial game.
“We’ll modify and correct technique and make sure we keep being brave, keep going for it and back ourselves.”
He expects South Africa to chance their arm and back their traditional strengths.
“We know it’s coming, and that’s all part of the game. Rugby’s a game of strengths; they’ve got theirs and we’ve got ours—two different styles. We’ll back our skills, and they will play theirs, which have strengthened and earned them many trophies.
Tasman’s Leicester Fainga’anuku and Waikato’s Xavier Roe have joined the All Blacks as injury cover for Timoci Tavatavanawai and the halfbacks, respectively.
Cortez Ratima suffered a broken rib but will be given every opportunity to play on Saturday.
If Kyle Preston is included, it will be based on his impressive performance since joining the group.
“He’s always stepped up to every occasion he’s had and the next one could be the biggest stage. We’ve got him ready over the last three to four weeks to be ready for it.”
Finlay Christie also offers experience, is reliable, and capable of getting turnovers.
“He likes that stage, he’s played a bit and slots straight back into our system.”
Fainga’anuku met the requirements to be considered as an option.
“He was here for pre-season for Tasman, played all the games. He’s a great power athlete and holds his feet beautifully, tracks defenders, and he’s played well. We’re pleased that he’s come straight back into the fold and performed at the highest level.
“The good thing about Leicester is he can play multiple positions.”
Robertson sees him more as a midfielder who can also play as a wing.
Christie said South Africa has expanded its attack and is not afraid to move the ball wide, and is playing some good rugby.
While he had played more often with Faf de Klerk at halfback, Grant Williams has been the preferred choice this season.
“They’re both great players. Faf’s got a lot of experience and is a gritty player and Grant’s got an electric running game and is very fast, so they both add their own things to games.”
Prop Tyrell Lomax said discipline will be a key area of focus on Saturday.
“It hurt us in the last game but that’ll be big this weekend because we know how well the Boks use their set-piece and like to kick as well.”
While the unbeaten record was on the line again in Auckland, Lomax said after playing several Tests at Eden Park in recent years, he didn’t think the record created more pressure.
“It’s more excitement. It’s about us going out and defending that record here.
“We’ve got a lot we want to work on this week. I’m looking forward to getting my head back into the scrum and being in this environment. South Africa is obvious in how they want to play the game, so it’s a big challenge for me as a front rower if I get the chance to play.
“They’ve set the standard when it comes to scrums and lineouts over the last few years. It’s a big part of their game.”
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