All Blacks: Cruden set for big test

Aaron Cruden believes the Springboks will try to force All Black errors. Photo / Brett Phibbs

All Blacks hoping training check will clear injured first-five for tough challenge against fired-up Boks.

Aaron Cruden feels nearly ready to cope again with big South African forwards running at him.

The All Black first five-eighths missed last Saturday's 28-9 win over Argentina in Napier with a pectoral injury, giving Beauden Barrett his long-awaited opportunity to pull on the No10 jersey at test level.

Resting Cruden was a cautious approach from All Black management, and it also showed the depth of talent available to them as Barrett - their third-string pivot - led the side well, although his goal-kicking radar had problems.

But as the All Blacks' Rugby Championship campaign rumbles into Wellington for a meeting with South Africa at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night, Cruden seems a likely starter.

"It's feeling a lot stronger," Cruden said of his pectoral. "It's feeling a lot better than it did say a week ago.

"I think in terms of last week's game, the right call was made, and we need to be wise in that respect again this week."

Cruden's words indicate he won't rush himself back into action if he doesn't feel ready, and he was expected to test his chest at training today.

With Dan Carter still on the shelf because of a leg injury, All Black coach Steve Hansen won't push Cruden too hard, although Barrett's continued development would have pleased him. The All Blacks also have utility Colin Slade available.

Building depth before next year's World Cup defence is an important part of this year's campaign, while Carter's lengthy injury history has heightened the need to have a strong battery of No10s waiting in the wings.

Watch: All Blacks: 'It was a lot of fun'

The All Blacks will aim to build on their lead in the Rugby Championship this weekend, while South Africa will be smarting after their 24-23 loss to Australia in Perth on Saturday.

The Springboks have been unsettled at first-five this year and have used Morne Steyn and 20-year-old Handre Pollard with varying levels of success.

Cruden said that despite their pivot problems, the South Africans would still be a tough prospect.

"They've got game-breakers right across the board and they like to force other teams into errors. They're happy to go from set piece to set piece or put up contestable kicks and force teams into errors.

"So for us, it's understanding that by being aware that they're not shy to throw the ball around and give it to some of the speedsters out wide."

After a weekend of contentious Rugby Championship refereeing decisions, some people have questioned why Northern Hemisphere officials have been employed to officiate in the game's toughest annual international competition.

But Cruden was sympathetic towards referees, who he said had a challenging job.

"There's a lot of pressure on refs as well," he said. "They go out there to perform to the best of their ability. They're only human. They make the call in a split-second decision. Obviously they make the call based on what they're seeing as well.

"So we try to take the responsibility out of the ref's hands and do what we can to make the result a positive one for us."