The All Blacks expect an adjustment to the Springboks' game plan when the two sides meet for the third time in this year's Tri-Nations competition at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
That was clear from media interviews with assistant coach Wayne Smith, lock Tom Donnely and scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan on Sunday.
The All Blacks have won all four of their six matches in the current tournament and need a single log point to win the Tri-Nations for the tenth time in 15 years.
“They'll try and use the ball a little more,” he said to a question on how he envisaged the Boks will play on Saturday, adding they would have taken a lot from the Test in Wellington. “They will look to play along those lines,” he said, "and the second half in Wellington will have been especially encouraging to the Boks.
“They're going to be strong and will be hurting (after their two losses) and we are aware of that, but we are only in the early stages of our preparations this week and need to get ourselves over the travel and get into the game in the course of the week.”
The New Zealand trio also emphasised Saturday's game was a huge occasion. "Playing South Africa is always big," said Smith, "especially in view of the emotional aspects involved on Saturday.”
The Springbok side for the Test will be announced on Tuesday.
