News | Rugby
18 Jun 2013 17:24
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      Home > News > Sports > Rugby

    All Blacks prepare to face South Africa

    The All Blacks expect a ferocious physical battle against South Africa on Saturday but it will be in a covered stadium.


    Dan Carter is the only injury casualty among the All Blacks as they prepare for the Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Dunedin on Saturday.

    Carter has remained with the squad but his calf muscle strain means he will miss his second consecutive Test.

    Otherwise, All Blacks' assistant coach Ian Foster reported an injury-free squad.

    "There was a lot of ice in the shed after the Test against Argentina in Wellington but I think we should have a full playing roster in the next couple of days. We've come through pretty well again, which is good."

    Foster indicated that Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden would be the inside back combination again despite some uncertainty in the first half against the Pumas.

    "It was pleasing the way the players figured the game out as they went along in Wellington. I thought the two Aarons settled into the decision-making role and did well after a difficult first half.

    "I thought in the last 30 minutes against Argentina that we were fairly close to getting a lot of things right. We were aggressive and we were trying to mix that with playing with intensity and at speed."

    Foster said the All Blacks were looking forward to playing their first Test at the roofed Forsyth Barr Stadium.

    "The conditions in Wellington last weekend were unfortunate. We love playing there too but it's nice to know the conditions are not going to change your game plan. The team's very excited about it. We've watched a lot of Super rugby there and we can't wait."

    Foster said South Africa offered a different challenge to Argentina.

    "We know it will be a ferocious battle and that we'll have to front up physically. They're coming off a draw and a loss and it's really important for them to get a win.

    "We know we'll have to deal with the high ball and to focus on winning the collisions because you know they're going to come at you at 100 miles per hour."

    The All Blacks will train at Carisbrook on Tuesday, which might prove a mixed blessing with a bitterly cold southerly change due to hit Dunedin.


    NZN




    © 2013 NZN, NZCity


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