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DURBAN - There was no talking down the task facing the All Blacks' newest locking combination today as the Springboks fix their eyes on the target for Sunday's (NZT) Tri-Nations rugby test here.
Blues teammates Greg Rawlinson and Troy Flavell, two of the last locks standing, were confirmed
to oppose Springboks giants Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha in the crucial battle for lineout possession.
They were among eight personnel and nine positional changes made by coach Graham Henry from the 64-13 win over Canada as the All Blacks wheel out their strongest available lineup.
With the locking injury crisis hitting Ali Williams (broken jaw), Keith Robinson (calf), Jason Eaton, James Ryan and Jonno Gibbes (all knee), while Chris Jack takes paternity leave, the spotlight increases on the lineout.
The tall timber in black were outshone in their previous clash last August when the Springboks stunned the tourists 21-20 at Rustenberg.
Forwards coach Steve Hansen acknowledged the lineout was a major work in progress last year, saying they were becoming too preoccupied with the opposition. There's since been some tinkering with their methods and Flavell has taken charge of the calls.
"Clearly they've got a very good defensive lineout with Matfield and Botha working very well together. We've got two relatively new people coming in so it will be a challenge," Hansen said today.
"We've got to execute really well... the players are all looking forward to it. We've made some changes to our lineout and it's been working quite well." Anton Oliver headed off Keven Mealamu as the starting hooker, Hansen explaining Oliver was the right fit for this test and offered powerful scrummaging.
The All Blacks may even be able to apply some pressure to the Springboks' throw, with the likely absence of hooker and captain John Smit who is battling a hamstring strain.
But the Springboks are in confident mood after their 22-19 win over the Wallabies.
After lauding their team in Sunday's newspapers, it was clear today what was considered the All Blacks' Achilles heel in the republic.
"Target is 'weak' All Blacks lineout," said the headline in today's Johannesburg Star.
Rawlinson, Durban born and raised, played the last of his three tests in the 45-26 win over the Boks in Pretoria last August.
Since then he shone with beaten Super 14 semifinalists the Blues and played for the Junior All Blacks, his last match when he suffered a heavy head knock against Tonga on June 9.
"It's a big challenge for him. He's had a good season for the Blues, he played for All Blacks last year and I think he's playing at an even higher level this year," Henry said.
Rawlinson replaces last Saturday's debutant Ross Filipo in one of six personnel changes in the pack. Their top front row and loose forward trio will be reunited, the same six who played in the 61-10 win over France on June 9.
Isaia Toeava returns to the troublesome centre position alongside Aaron Mauger, while Joe Rokocoko replaces the unavailable Doug Howlett on the right wing.
It will be Toeava's eighth test but backs coach Wayne Smith said they were intent on not applying undue pressure in World Cup year.
"We're not looking for any miracles from the boy, we just want him to do his job well. He's been doing that all year, he's an exciting player and we're continually trying to develop him," Smith said.
The All Blacks had a light training session in heavily overcast, windy weather at Durban's Greenwood High School. Fullback Mils Muliaina (general soreness) and bench lock Filipo (shin) both sat it out but aren't considered in doubt.
- NZPA