KEY POINTS:
It may not carry the same resonance as two weeks ago, but South Africa are playing the same rugby mind games as Australia by openly declaring centre as a chink in the All Blacks' armour.
Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock was spot on when he predicted New Zealand's selection of Luke McAlister out of position at centre was a mistake before carving holes himself in the midfield during their 20-15 upset win in Melbourne.
This week Springboks backline coach Allister Coetzee also turned his sights to No 13, where he said the enigmatic Isaia Toeava could be exposed in the Tri-Nations test at Jade Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday night.
"Toeava was the form player in the Super 14 this year but I'm sure we will test it," Coetzee said.
"He's made a couple of mistakes before and he can make that again, under pressure."
Before missing the Melbourne test due to a bruised right shoulder, Toeava made a decent fist of his three test outings this year, comprising both tests against France and the triumph over the Springboks at Durban.
Handling errors have been the chief concern but defensively he has been sound and performed the basics to the satisfaction of assistant coach Wayne Smith.
"We want to see a continuation of steadiness," Smith said.
"He tackled well in the games he's played, he's contested the ball on the ground, he ran well to get back to counter-attack.
"All those things that people don't see, is what we're asking him to do."
Smith said Toeava and Conrad Smith -- who returns after six weeks of hamstring recovery to a spot on the bench tomorrow -- were regarded as the first-choice centres, with fullback Mils Muliaina another option.
The option of starting with Conrad Smith tomorrow was summarily dismissed by the All Blacks selectors.
"We're happy with Ice firstly ... he deserves to be in that spot," Wayne Smith said.
"Conrad's had some footy and his time will come but we've got to win test matches and we feel he (Toeava) is the right man."
Toeava took another knock to the shoulder at training on Wednesday but carried on without apparent discomfort.
The gifted Blues attacker said the continual focus on the All Blacks' centre merry-go-round since Tana Umaga retired was something he blocked out.
However, he called on critics to note the difficulties experienced by McAlister at Melbourne.
"It is pretty hard. If you just go there for one game, it's pretty tough," he said.
"You have to have a lot of time there to know what you're doing, on defence and on attack as well."
While many New Zealand eyes will be on Toeava, South Africans will fix their gaze on an exciting 21-year-old of their own, JP Pietersen.
He celebrated his birthday yesterday and was presented with a cake, sparklers and balloons by teammates.
Pietersen, who was this year's top tryscorer in the Super 14 on the wing for the Sharks, has been named at fullback, a position he has played for the bulk of his career.
He said Saturday would provide the toughest challenge since his startling rise began when plucked from the club ranks by Sharks coach Dick Muir two years ago.
"The All Blacks are very athletic players, you must work hard on defence because they're always coming up with something to surprise you," he said.
An elusive prospect himself with his loping running style, Pietersen agreed chances would be at a premium in what are likely to be cold, damp conditions.
"I get a lot of joy in the open space but you cannot just run with the ball. There's always a lot areas like tackling and reading the play. I'm trying to be an allrounder."
Veteran Breyton Paulse said he and fellow winger Jaco Pretorius would need to provide ample cover for Pietersen, who he suspected would be targeted by a variety of New Zealand kicks.
"Me and Jaco, we just have to try and help him out so he can feel comfortable," Paulse said.
"He's still a youngster but he's played there before. It's test match time and if you play at this level you're going to have to expect anything they throw at you. Just see how you can handle it."
- NZPA
