KEY POINTS:
When the All Blacks last played in Durban they needed a late converted try to Aaron Mauger to escape the Springbok tentacles. Five years have passed since that 30-23 test victory, one which is remembered more for the intrusion of lumbering spectator Piet van Zyl and his high
tackle on Irish referee David McHugh.
The aftermath of McHugh's injury and security concerns, overshadowed a tenacious All Black victory. The week before they had been beaten by the Wallabies and then had to make the long trek to the Springboks' seaside lair.
Two All Blacks - Mauger and Richie McCaw who was the first to protect referee McHugh in the scuffle - return for tomorrow morning's test at the same venue. All the same match stresses face the All Blacks as they did in 2002. How will they repel the momentum the Springboks have built this season?
DEFENCE
The Wallabies showed the way last week, conceding one fortuituous try as they made 130 tackles and exasperated the South Africans. The pincer moves on Butch James reduced his impact though he did manage to slip one golden pass to Jean de Villiers. Ruan Pienaar and James are playing on their own dung heap which brings equal dollops of assurance and expectation. They were frustrated out of their rhythm by the marauding Wallabies, they did not settle and were not given time to build their games.
SPEED
Whenever they can, the All Blacks should speed up the game. They should use quick throws to negate the Springboks' desire to go to lineouts where Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw present a huge obstacle. Shifting the ball across the Absa Stadium will also test the stamina of ageing tight forwards like Os Du Randt and offer mismatches on attack for the All Black backs against some of the bulkier Bok forwards.
KICKING
South Africa will rely heavily on territory, looking to get their points through lineout or scrum set pieces. They will try to kick deep, preferably out, so they can challenge the All Blacks' shorter lineout, alternate jumpers and the twitchy throwing arm of Anton Oliver. The All Blacks kick-counter should concentrate on keeping the ball in play and allowing the chasing line to regroup. Running the ball back instead of kicking, even with the attacking genius of Sitiveni Sivivatu and Joe Rokocoko, has to be decisive.
SCRUM
There should be no problems for the All Blacks other than the rulings from referee Alain Rolland. Bok coach Jake White has some idea Du Randt holds some ascendancy over Carl Hayman but that seems to be wishful thinking. Like the Wallabies, the All Blacks believe tighthead prop B.J. Botha scrums illegally, boring in on the hooker. Watch for the referee to be made aware of the issue.
SUBS
The Boks replace their men with more brutes while the All Blacks appear to have more strike power with subs like Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister and Chris Masoe. Graham Henry's judicious use of his bench will be important to cover the long-distance travel effects. The Boks will also still be tender, which should counter some effects of the All Black jetlag.
ATTACK
The All Blacks need some shock tactics like giving Isaia Toeava an immediate chance to test his turbo and his rival defenders.
They also need to show the Boks they cannot be outmuscled, they must attack the core of the South African's psyche before they go wide.
Bombing Percy Montgomery and Ashwin Willimse or sending box kicks their way should also be a productive ploy after the way the pair skirted some of their duties last week.
HISTORY
There is no time like now to overturn the only blight for Henry's squad; annual defeats in South Africa. The Springboks have lost the guidance of John Smit, the sledgers need to niggle Victor Matfield and question his right to the captaincy while Jerry Collins needs to mind the dangerous Schalk Burger all match.
The All Blacks need Daniel Carter to kick them into the lead and make the Springboks chase the game.
