KEY POINTS:
Listening to All Blacks rugby coach Graham Henry, it's almost as if last week's 19-8 Tri-Nations defeat of the Springboks never happened.
All week Henry has painted his team as underdogs for the second test in Dunedin tonight even though history weighs heavily against the South Africans, including the most recent history - a comprehensive 11-point triumph in Wellington.
The visitors must also overcome 10 years of defeat in New Zealand and a brutal record at Carisbrook of no wins from seven tests.
Yet it didn't stop Henry yesterday virtually repeating his pre-test words of seven days ago that proved well wide of the mark.
"Last week was a major challenge. I think this week is a bigger challenge than last week," Henry said.
"The guys are going to have to front, we are well down on experience. There is huge enthusiasm there and they just have to work together.
"I think the Springboks will have even greater edge than they had last week. I think it is an absolute major test match for the All Blacks. I can't say any more really."
Certainly, Henry's men can't expect South Africa to be as error-prone as they were at wet Wellington and the restoration of World Cup fullback Percy Montgomery and winger JP Pietersen - who turns 22 today - should bring an element of control that was missing.
In contrast, the All Blacks' two changes up front - the raw Anthony Boric at lock and four-test prop John Afoa - gives their pack an even more vulnerable appearance.
Henry said Boric, 24, was coping well ahead of his first test start while the player himself was mix of nerves and excitement as he neared his battle with veteran locking pair Bakkies Botha and captain Victor Matfield.
"Playing the Springboks is the pinnacle of rugby growing up in New Zealand, it's what I always wanted to do," said Boric, who made two reserve bench appearances against England last month.
"We're expecting more of the same, probably more intensity from them. They won't be happy with how things went.
"I got a bit of a taste of it with the Poms and it'll be another step up with these guys."
Boric will partner Ali Williams, who has battled ankle pain all week, and take his orders from captain and flanker Rodney So'oialo, who must inspire his troops again - no doubt through his unquenchable appetite for work.
So'oialo expected another hard-hitting contest and called on his players to keep their heads if the Springboks resorted to any over-physical provocation or niggle.
"It depends on personalities, the character of the person. It is pretty tough when you are trying to play the game and something like that (niggle) is happening," So'oialo said.
"But things like that happen in the game and you have to get on with the game."
Referee Matt Goddard will be closely scrutinised by the New Zealand camp for how he handles any incidence of late or high tackles and will also be a crucial figure at scrum time.
He oversaw a meeting of the coaches yesterday to outline his interpretation of scrum laws and So'oialo hoped none of the All Blacks' dominance in that area would be reduced tonight.
"He's been pretty good with the reffing side of it, obviously the scrum is a little bit different and he really needs to be aware of what goes on there," said So'oialo, who has played under Goddard numerous times in Super rugby but never at test level.
"It is just a matter of working with his touch judges in order to control that area."
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers was as pragmatic and quirky as ever when asked if his team's curse at Carisbrook could be turned around.
"My grandfather never was in Carisbrook either and I turned it around, I'm here," he said.
"It would be great for the country, not so good for your country."
The Springboks have won at least two tests in every other New Zealand city they have played at.
It was suggested that the injury that has sidelined captain John Smit could prove an inspiration to the Springboks just as Richie McCaw's absence had to the All Blacks last week.
"At this level you're a professional and paid to play the game and represent your country," de Villiers said.
"I don't think external motivations should play a big role. You should be up for the challenge anyway, with or without someone else there."
- NZPA
