All Black coach John Hart knows New Zealand's plans for the rugby World Cup later this year could be thrown into disarray if the All Blacks do not perform against South Africa at Carisbrook today.
He accepts that the Springboks go into the Tri-Nations test underpowered, with key players in halfback
Joost van der Westhuizen, first five-eighths Henry Honiball, centre Andre Snyman, prop Adrian Garvey and loose forwards Bobby Skinstad and Johan Erasmus unavailable through injury.
By comparison, New Zealand have their best available side, which has seen Taine Randell's team installed as favourites for the 52nd test between the two countries.
"It will be fair to say that this game will be a test of depth for both countries," Hart said. "I don't think we can put everything on the result of one game, and if we did that then we would be in trouble.
"But it is an important step for both teams really, although I recognise in the case of South Africa with players like Honiball, van der Westhuizen, Snyman and Skinstad all out they've still got a lot to turn to.
"I think that is the difference, whereas we have probably got pretty much what we are going to have.
"So I think there is more on this game in a way for us, although it depends on how you assess it. The reality is there will be pressure on us, win or lose."
Hart said the All Blacks realised what was at stake in terms of how they played today. "We've spoken this week about respect for the opposition, realising that we've taken a few steps ourselves and that this game is a step up for us," he said.
"For some players like Daryl Gibson, Norm Maxwell and Kees Meeuws who are relatively new to this level and who haven't really played this sort of test rugby, it is a genuine test.
"I don't think that until you've played South Africa that you've actually played the highest test rugby.
"So I think there is a realisation in the squad that this becomes a different game." - NZPA
