It must be terrifying for rugby's chasing pack that the All Blacks can dust off the Springboks these days without Richie McCaw, Dan Carter or Israel Dagg.

Dane Coles made the comment during the week that he quite likes the rough stuff, legal or otherwise.

You know the bloke. Tall, blond, athletic, standing in the middle of the park waving his arms like an Italian traffic controller.

Dane Coles feels he owes a debt of gratitude to All Blacks hooker rival Andrew Hore.

Down in the Cape when they yarn about some of the rugby characters in Western Province, the Etzebeth surname gets a regular recall.

Dane Coles, this is your time, writes Wynne Gray. The 26-year-old will step into the All Black spotlight on Saturday in the middle of the front row.

The future is moving closer for Dane Coles with the tyro All Black hooker asked to suit up for his first duel with the Springboks.

A brief encounter with Duane Vermeulen suggests a rugby player with a real sense of perspective.

Every international team have their strengths but the Springboks are a particularly physical side - it's been the same since year dot, writes Murray Mexted.

His physical commitment is unquestioned - but it's mental energy that sets the inspirational All Black captain apart.

Dunedin turned up the heaters in the Forsyth Barr Stadium last night as the All Blacks beat the Springboks 21-11 in front of a sellout crowd.

Every year there is an All Black guarantee. At least there has been since the start of Super rugby in 1996.

The All Blacks and Ireland will be led next month by men who have each played more than a 100 tests.