An encore may just be what the doctor ordered as the All Blacks named an unchanged line-up aside from Isaia “Ice” Toeava replacing Anthony Tuitavake on the bench.

On the other hand, the Springboks have made some enforced, rest and form changes with Andries Bekker coming in at lock for the injured Bakkies Botha, world-class players Fourie du Preez, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana returning, and veteran Percy Montgomery taking over at custodian for his 100th game – the first South African to do so – ironically on his home ground.

The Boks put on a belated celebration for their former president Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday with a lop-sided victory over Argentina last weekend. The inspirational leader, who was once acknowledged as the most powerful figure of the 20th century, tends to have a conspicuous effect on the team and we have all seen how passion alone can achieve miracles in delivering the unthinkable against all odds.

Look no further than the final of the 1995 World Cup. Despite the All Blacks racking up mammoth scores – as usual – during the preliminary rounds and seemingly on the verge of regaining their supremacy, unfortunately in the end, they had nothing to show for. The only ‘consolation’ was the star-in-the-making named Jonah Lomu, who was easily the standout player of the tournament.

You would have to be at the stadium amongst the highly emotionally-charged scenes to soak in what was truly an incredible moment for South Africa. It was only befitting when captain Francois Pienaar hoisted the World Cup as if to say to his compatriots: “Mission accomplished”.

With three consecutive weekends of hardcore rugby in the Republic, thankfully - if successful – the All Blacks need only to worry about this one game, then get back home for some, wait for it, R&R (a simple refresh and relaxation that is, forget the rest and reconditioning). Meanwhile, the Springboks and Wallabies will continue to beat the crap out of each other where the final hit-out at Brisbane could possibly determine the outright winner of the 2008 Tri-Nations.

Then again, if the All Blacks stumble across this weekend’s obstacle and lose to their hosts, it would be a foregone conclusion that the Springboks rightfully own their mantle of being the best team in the world bar none. The Wallabies will continue to struggle abroad and wait for the excuses when they return to Brisbane battered and bruised.

So far, it has been as exhilarating as you would hope for with international rugby at its best and credit to the teams for an exhibition of excellence in providing entertaining, dazzling and scintillating rugby which is as good as it gets.

A daunting task awaits the All Blacks at Newlands but I am confident that the arduous schedule will work in their favour. They’ve had a decent break and will relish the challenge of winning both remaining Tests away from home. No other team can boast as impressive and extraordinary an away record and for that, I can comfortably predict another flourishing Tri-Nations campaign.

The return of “Ice” Toeava  is a welcome addition to the intimidating All Blacks arsenal waiting in readiness for yet another physical encounter with the Springboks. He has enough experience, having played at the land of high altitude, and don’t be surprised if he is brought into the action early in the second stanza.

He combined beautifully with fellow Blues’ team-mate Rudi Wulf during a Super 14 semi-final a couple of years ago and showed glimpses of brilliance running roughshod over his opponents before he left the field after suffering a bad leg injury. Toeava's versatility will also prove invaluable should either Mils Muliaina or Ma’a Nonu pull up lame. Such is our renowned depth that other teams could only envy how we could still replace players of that calibre with quality players who are just as splendid.

Dan Carter and Richie McCaw will once again carry the hopes of New Zealand and considering the same starting XV are taking the field again, hopefully they can replicate the intensity that was demonstrated at Eden Park. Nonu is playing well but needs to be consistent. We are lacking enforcers in the forwards although Brad Thorn is more than capable of dominating the rucks and collisions - but he needs adequate support in the trenches  and that is where Jerome Kaino comes in to make his presence felt.

The 'cheating' accusations have dominated the papers this week. It's tiresome and annoying - but the All Blacks control their own destiny and South African coach Peter de Villiers will live to regret that he ever attempted to tarnish the reputation of the mighty All Blacks, who have been the ultimate benchmark for more than a century. Anyone who disagrees is only displaying a severe lack of intelligence and pure jealousy.

For such a small nation, others – especially the Aussies - just “can’t handle the jandal” and refuse to believe for one second that the All Blacks have always been the most dominant – if not the best -  rugby team on the planet.

Looking at the excitement and fascination of the current Olympic theme in Beijing, unfortunately we are not as strong a sporting nation as  the rest of them. But Jeez, the All Blacks will do me thank you very much! Besides, if rugby was an Olympic sport New Zealand would win gold, South Africa silver and Australia bronze.

Prediction: South Africa will come out with guns blazing and then, like startled Springboks in headlights, be mown down by the aggressive and rampant kings of the jungle. All Blacks by 22.