Assistant coach Scott Hansen and All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi speak about preparations for their upcoming game against the Springboks. Video / Alyse Wright
Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry believes New Zealand will respond to their recent discipline issues and extend their unbeaten streak at Eden Park when they host the Springboks on Saturday.
The All Blacks are coming off a historic 29-23 Rugby Championship defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires afortnight ago and are searching for their first win over South Africa in five meetings.
Discipline has been a recurring problem under Scott Robertson, with 17 cards handed out in 19 tests. In seven of those, they have ended the match with 14 players on the field due to a late card.
When reduced to 14 men, the All Blacks have been outscored 51-16, compared with a 28-5 advantage when playing with an extra man.
Adding to the stakes is the All Blacks’ 50-test unbeaten run at Eden Park, stretching back to 1994.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s D’Arcy Waldegrave, Henry said he expects the All Blacks to be in the right headspace for the occasion.
“When the team is right on the edge, you know they’re ready to play, they’re 10 out of 10 mentally, you don’t have those problems,” Henry said.
Sir Graham Henry coached the All Blacks from 2004-11. Photo / Photosport
“I think they were a bit complacent going into the second test, and when you’re not quite there, you make those silly mistakes and give away silly penalties.
“They’ve been galvanised by the loss in Buenos Aires. Argentina played superbly, and the All Blacks showed great humility afterwards.
“But they’ll be hurting, and a hurting All Blacks side usually responds in the next test. I’m expecting something special.”
All eyes are on Thursday when the teams are named and there are lots of questions around who will be the two All Blacks halfbacks for the clash.
First-choice Cam Roigard has already been ruled out because of a stress fracture in his foot, while Noah Hotham is also sidelined after ankle surgery and Cortez Ratima is under an injury cloud with a broken rib.
Finlay Christie, who started against the Pumas, will likely wear the No 9 jersey again, with either Kyle Preston or Xavier Roe a chance of making their test debut off the bench.
“Christie was one of the best players against Argentina,” Henry said. ”He’d been dropped before, wasn’t even in the top three, and now he’s starting again.
“Last week he produced a strong performance and now he’s got a chance to cement his spot for the next few years. Playing at a ground he knows well, he’ll be eager to seize the opportunity.”
Henry expects there might be one other change to the team.
“I think the forwards have been excellent, developing depth and competition,” Henry said. ”The backs just need to step up.
“I think one of the wingers might be replaced, we’ll have to wait and see.”
