KEY POINTS:
Isaia Toeava has made strong progress as an international centre but the Wallabies will try to provoke the All Black's galling memories of his Bledisloe Cup debut last season at Eden Park.
In only his fourth test, Toeava was dragged off soon after halftime when some of his
confidence was shredded by Wallaby swagger.
The 21-year-old has recovered to start five tests this year, with Conrad Smith on the injured roster, but he did miss the 20-15 Bledisloe Cup loss in Melbourne because of a bruised shoulder. His physique and attitude will receive a severe workout tomorrow.
"We assume they will target our midfield," All Black backline coach Wayne Smith said.
"Why wouldn't you with the performance of [Stirling] Mortlock in particular, and [Matt] Giteau's potential, in Melbourne. We assume they will have a crack at it."
Mortlock did his best to camouflage his intentions by praising the young centre but it was also clear he fancied his chances as much as he did when Luke McAlister filled in at Melbourne.
"Toeava is a great talent, it was freakish some of the stuff he did this year in the Super 14," Mortlock said.
"Defensively, he's pretty solid. I don't see as many opportunities defensively from this backline as the one we faced in Melbourne. I'll do a fair bit of analysis on him over the next few days. I've got a lot of respect for him.
"That being said, he hasn't played a lot of football at this level and, in particular, Bledisloe Cup matches. There will be a huge amount of pressure and intensity in this match."
Smith was confident the combinations Toeava and McAlister built during the Super 14 and showed last week in Christchurch would help the pair through the side's final domestic test of the season. Toeava had made several line breaks against the Springboks, had tackled and supported well.
"We want consistency from him. We are not looking for miracles. We are looking for him to play his part in our attack that has to be more accurate."
The selectors still had a lot of faith in Conrad Smith and he would get enough matches in the next few weeks to get up to speed for the World Cup. He was rated the squad's best centre at the end of last year but injury had prevented him showing that form so far.
The coach thought the All Blacks played a similar mixed brand of rugby during last year's Tri-Nations before discovering a better attacking rhythm on the trip to Europe. They needed to improve their support play and running lines but they were only minor adjustments.
"We have got to be more clinical. We have a history of fixing things and work gives you the confidence and belief," Smith said.
The All Blacks had used a variety of playing methods during Graham Henry's tenure, they believed they could play several styles but needed to raise standards at Eden Park tomorrow.
