South Africa has promised a sharply improved performance in the second rugby test against New Zealand on Saturday to avoid an 0-2 start to its defence of the Tri-Nations title.
The Springboks said they played poorly when they lost 32-12 in last weekend's first test at Eden Park and are out to recapture the form that gave them three wins over the All Blacks in last year's Tri-Nations series.
New Zealand's win at Auckland was comprehensive, however, and South Africa needs a massive form reversal to have any chance of leaving New Zealand for Australia with a 1-1 record.
Winger Joe Rokocoko and scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan were ruled out of New Zealand's team on Thursday because of injury. Rokocoko has a strained hamstring and was replaced by Rene Ranger, who will make his first start for the All Blacks. Cowan, who has an abdominal strain, was named among the reserves, with Piri Weepu handed a starting spot.
The only changes the Springboks made were forced by an injury to prop Jannie du Plessis and the suspension of lock Bakkies Botha.
Coach Peter de Villiers and captain John Smit have expressed confidence in the players beaten at Auckland to turn the tables on the All Blacks at Wellington.
De Villiers said South Africa had "a bad day" at Eden Park and the same players were capable of making amends. "I trust the bunch of people that are with me, they just weren't on song last weekend," he said. "These boys are much better than what they showcased on Saturday. They just had a bad game and I expect them to be back to form this weekend.”
Smit was also confident South Africa had the resources to reverse last weekend's loss, though neither he nor de Villiers signalled change to the tactics which proved ineffective in Auckland.
