The All Blacks are feeling the effects of a big contest at Ellis Park, but are keen to avoid another last-quarter blow-out against the Springboks in Saturdays Rugby Championship clash at Cape Town Stadium.
New Zealand were leading 27-17 at one stage in the second half in Johannesburg last weekend, but allowed South Africa to get back into the game in the last 20 minutes. Replacement loose forward Kwagga Smith scored a crucial try after a series of mauls, and then scrumhalf Grant Williams secured the Bok victory with another late five-pointer.
The result has left the All Blacks licking their wounds, and contemplating the kind of approach that they would need to triumph at the Cape Town Stadium (5pm start).
They enjoyed the sunshine on a warm Monday, and got down to work by training on a lush green pitch at Athlone Stadium home of Saru non-racial rugby during apartheid yesterday.
Their fightback this week could involve a change in selection as well, in order to have a fresher Kiwi side to counter the Boks immense physicality. One likely change should be in the loose trio, where Dalton Papalii is set to return at blindside flank from a thumb injury.
