The Springboks showed against Australia that even without their top 20 players, they are by no means easy-beats. However, while South Africa competed well against the Wallabies, after their lightning quick start they never really threaten to cause an upset. Instead they simply plugged away, waiting for opportunities that never came.

In Christchurch on Saturday, and next week against Australia, the All Blacks will be looking to put their poor Melbourne performance behind them and make good use of their last 160 minutes of rugby before the World Cup begins. To their credit, the New Zealand management chose not to blame their loss to Australia on travel - but there was no doubt it played a major part in the game, as the back line looked uninspired and the forwards failed to execute the basics.

Both sides go into this game with a number of changes, the most notable being Johann Muller's promotion to captain - the third player to lead South Africa in this year's Tri-Nations. Regular captain John Smit is one of the 20 players being rested and his replacement, Bobby Skinstad, is out with a cracked rib.

'Given the issues with discipline South Africa have had this year, staying onside with the referee and having 15 men on the field for the entire game must be a priority'


The All Blacks welcome back fit-again Isea Toeava to the troubled centre position and lock Keith Robinson will get his first start of the year after injuring himself during warm-ups before the test against Canada. Also back in the starting line up are wingers Sitaveni Sivivatu and Doug Howlett, who returns from paternity leave.

Although both sides come into this game after close losses to Australia, it is New Zealand who carry the weight of expectations. Springbok coach Jake White may rubbish claims that this is a 'B' team, but without their top 20 players, it is hard to see it as anything but a 'B' team and All Blacks fans will be expecting a good win.

Playmaker Dan Carter is one All Black who will be looking to improve his play ahead of the World Cup, hoping to regain the unstoppable form he showed against the British and Irish Lions back in 2005. Carter has struggled of late, electing to pass or kick early rather than take the ball to the line, where he is at his most dangerous.

Partnering Carter for this game will be Luke McAlister, who moves back to his preferred second-five position. McAlister will be looking to improve his defensive game this weekend after missing a number of tackles against Australia, when he played centre.

The weather forecast for Saturday in Christchurch is for clear but cold conditions; however, a week of rain means that conditions will be soggy underfoot.

The other factor which could effect the outcome is the referee, Stu Dickinson, who is known for his intolerance of foul play. Given the issues with discipline South Africa have had this year, staying onside with the referee and having 15 men on the field for the entire game must be a priority.

A wounded All Blacks team is a very dangerous team, and this side will be looking to show the New Zealand rugby public that their loss to Australia was an anomaly - and to build confidence going into the Rugby World Cup.

For some of the South African players, it will be the final chance to make the World Cup squad, but without leaders like Victor Matfield or Smit this game has all the hallmarks of a Springbok self-destruction and a solid All Blacks' win.