Rugby: All Blacks have plenty to play for

All Blacks prop Owen Franks. Photo / Getty Images

There could hardly be a worthier rallying cry for the All Blacks, but distressing images from earthquake-ravaged Canterbury provide just another layer of motivation before a potentially historic Tri-Nations test against the Wallabies on Saturday.

As aftershocks continue to torment the devastated province - and keep Christchurch-based players and management on edge in concern for loved ones - the potential to boost morale back home only adds to the All Blacks' determination to maintain their exacting standards of 2010.

While the ongoing natural disaster had galvanised the squad, assistant coach Wayne Smith today said the situation in Christchurch and its surrounds had not yet been discussed collectively.

"Inside they'll feel the same as I feel, that it's an opportunity to give your heart and soul to try and make people proud of you and maybe lift the spirits of the community," he said.

Success on Saturday may please Cantabrians, with the exception of Australian coach Robbie Deans, but with milestones at stake - and places on November's Grand Slam tour at a premium - the All Blacks will also be eager to satisfy the coaching staff.

Although the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations silverware is secure, the All Blacks can become the first team to complete the southern hemisphere competition unbeaten since the format was extended to six tests per side in 2006.

There is also the prospect of inflicting an unprecedented 10th loss on Deans' Wallabies, the ultimate come down for Australia after their thrilling win over South Africa in Bloemfontein last weekend.

All Blacks No 8 Kieran Read, whose wife Bridget is back in Christchurch six months pregnant, emphasised the team's single-minded focus.

Regardless of the uncertainty at home and the Wallabies' apparent resurgence, Read explained: "We were always going to be pretty disciplined this week to make sure we put a good full stop on the Tri-Nations campaign.

"If guys want to hold on to external motivations they can but in terms of performance all we have to look at is improving as a football team."

Smith said that attitude permeated the squad and ensured there would be no fear of complacency against opponents they have beaten in nine previous tests.

While the team and coaching trio were under pressure to avenge three losses to South Africa in 2009 at the start of the Tri-Nations season, once that was achieved the dynamic shifted.

"We've been through quite a bit of external pressure, criticism or people heaping a lot of expectations on us and that gets you up for a test match," Smith said in relation to the Springboks internationals in Auckland, Wellington and Johannesburg.

"Now we've had to change to doing it internally, to keep generating pressure so every player is totally determined to do well again in the jersey."

Those expectations will be keenly felt by three up-and-coming members of the squad on Saturday - first five-eighth Aaron Cruden, loose forward Victor Vito and super sub Israel Dagg.

They have been preparing for starting roles since landing in Sydney - Cruden deputising for an injured Dan Carter, Vito intruding on the established loose forward trio of Richie McCaw, Read and Jerome Kaino as the latter's replacement, and Dagg being poised to start his first test as a wing on veteran Joe Rokocoko's flank.

In another expected alteration to the pack, prop Owen Franks, who was surplus to requirements in Johannesburg, is due to return to tighthead at his brother Ben's expense.

Smith insisted changes at this stage of the season would not prove disruptive, especially at first five-eighth.

"We have a general approach to the game which everyone's been able to see.

"We'll be playing the same way with Aaron as we would have if Daniel was playing."

And as a former test No 10, Smith has been impressed with what he's seen in Cruden this week.

"He's composed, he's got an inner confidence," he said.

"He's come through a bit of trauma himself where he's had to battle hard against cancer. I think that's developed a big part of his character.

"Something like this is a challenge he's going to enjoy rather than be scared of."

All Blacks side:
15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Israel Dagg, 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (capt) , 6. Victor Vito, 5. Tom Donnelly, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Rene Ranger.

- NZPA