RUGBY TRI-NATIONS: South Africa v New Zealand:NEW ZEALAND captain Richie McCaw is hoping his team learn from their early mistakes in their opening two Tri-Nations matches as they look to avenge last weekend's defeat to South Africa in Durban today.
With talismanic captain McCaw back to lead the way, the All Blacks shrugged off their indifferent early-season form to come from behind and record a hard-fought 22-16 win against Australia in Auckland two weeks ago.
Graham Henry’s side finished strongly again last weekend against the Springboks in Bloemfontein but, despite a furious second-half rally from the tourists, the world champions held on for a 28-19 triumph.
McCaw has urged his side not to allow today’s encounter at the Absa Stadium to follow a similar pattern. The 28-year-old said: “I think last week it was just mistakes that we made. I think in the first game against the Aussies we were just off the pace physically. We failed a few tackles and things like that and that allowed them to get on top of us before we got back into the game. Last week, we started off maybe over-physical and gave away a couple of penalties that caused us to be at the wrong end of the field.”
John Smit, who will become the most-capped captain in world rugby when he leads the Springboks out for the 60th time today, will put his personal milestone aside to concentrate only on beating New Zealand.
Smit (31) insists his sole focus will be on defeating the All Blacks for the second consecutive weekend. “It’s quite a nice moment, and I know it’s been the talking point this week, but I don’t want it to be,” said Smit. “It’s a nice thing individually but it creates side-shows and distractions to what we are going to achieve.”
Smit will surpass former England captain Will Carling and Australian George Gregan who share the record of 59 Tests as captain.
SOUTH AFRICA: F Steyn; JP Pietersen, J Fourie, J de Villiers, B Habana; M Steyn, F du Preez; T Mtawarira, B du Plessis, J Smit, B Botha, V Matfield, H Brussow, J Smith, P Spies. Replacements: C Ralepelle, J du Plessis, A Bekker. D Rossouw, E Januarie, A Jacobs, W Olivier.
NEW ZEALAND: M Muliaina; J Rokocoko, C Smith, M Nonu, S Sivivatu; S Donald, J Cowan; T Woodcock, A Hore, O Franks, B Thorn, I Ross, J Kaino, R McCaw, R So'oialo. Replacements: K Mealamu, J Afoa, J Eaton, K Read, P Weepu, L McAlister, C Jane.
