South Africa v New Zealand:SOUTH AFRICA, winners of a bruising series against the Lions, expect their opening Tri-Nations match against holders New Zealand on Saturday to be the real test of their abilities.
The world champions are predicting a high-tempo game in Bloemfontein against the All Blacks who started their title defence with a 22-16 victory over Australia last weekend.
“It was a very big series for us against the Lions because it only comes around once in 12 years, but the level will definitely lift against the All Blacks,” South Africa vice-captain Victor Matfield told reporters on Thursday.
“I still believe the Tri-Nations is the toughest competition in rugby. Playing the All Blacks is still the ultimate, to stand in your Springbok jersey and face the haka, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.”
New Zealand have made two changes to the team who beat the Wallabies, bringing in scrumhalf Brendon Leonard and wing Joe Rokocoko to give them more pace on a hard, dry surface in Bloemfontein that traditionally favours running rugby.
“There was a certain amount of kicking against Australia, but when you look at the stats – Australia made 160-odd tackles and we made 110 – they show that we kept the ball in hand more. We will try to play more rugby this week too,” New Zealand coach Graham Henry said.
Rokocoko has dished up pain for the Springboks before, scoring nine tries against them, one short of Christian Cullen’s record against South Africa.
New Zealand hooker Andrew Hore made a shaky start against Australia in his first game back from a rib injury with two overthrows in the early lineouts, but was more impressive in his general play as the pack gradually took control to grind out a 22-16 win in their Tri-Nations opener.
South Africa have lost their last two home matches against the All Blacks, having been beaten 19-0 in Cape Town last year and 26-21 in Durban in 2007.
SOUTH AFRICA:F Steyn; J P Pietersen, J Fourie, J de Villiers, B Habana; R Pienaar, F du Preez; T Mtawarira, B Du Plessis, J Smit (capt), B Botha, V Matfield, H Brussow, J Smith, P Spies.
NEW ZEALAND: M Muliaina; J Rokocoko, C Smith, M Nonu, S Sivivatu; S Donald, B Leonard; T Woodcock, A Hore, N Tialata, B Thorn, I Ross, J Kaino, R McCaw, R So’oialo.
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