All Blacks v S Africa: Teams
Captain Richie McCaw is expecting a Springbok backlash when the All Blacks meet South Africa in Wellington.
Last Updated: 17/07/10 10:39am
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has warned his players they must be prepared for a Springbok backlash when they meet South Africa in Saturday's Tri Nations Test in Wellington.
The All Blacks kicked off their 2010 Tri-Nations campaign with a comprehensive 32-12 triumph over the world champions in Auckland last week, running in four tries during an eye-catching display at Eden Park.
Despite the nature of that victory, McCaw expects a much tougher test this weekend.
"We've got to make sure we match that (performance) but they'll be a better team," said the Canterbury flanker.
Opportunity
"They didn't get the chance to put on the pressure they have done in the past so I'm sure they'll be looking to do that but we've got to make sure we don't allow that to happen."
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made two changes to his starting XV from the side which triumphed in Auckland.
Joe Rokocoko and Richard Kahui both picked up injuries last week, presenting an opportunity for wing Rene Ranger to make his starting debut.
Scrum-half Jimmy Cowan has been struggling with an abdominal strain, handing a starting berth to Piri Weepu.
South Africa skipper John Smit hopes his side can draw inspiration from their victory in Dunedin back in 2008.
A superb solo try from scrum-half Ricky Januarie secured a dramatic 30-28 win for the visitors on that occasion, the win coming days after a 19-11 defeat in Wellington.
Smit, who did not play that day, said: "Watching that game, after the result here (in Wellington), it was pretty satisfying so I can only imagine that the guys on that trip would have had those memories of what can be done and what should be done if you apply yourself."
Late boost
South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has been handed a late boost with the news that lock Danie Rossouw has been given the green light to face New Zealand after overcoming a calf injury.
Rossouw has been named at number four in place of Bakkies Botha who begins his nine-week ban for a headbutt on Cowan at Eden Park.
The 32-year-old will win his 50th cap alongside Victor Matfield in the second row.
Rossouw's Bulls team-mate Flip van der Merwe had been called over to New Zealand as a precautionary measure but Stormers lock Andries Bekker will provide cover from the bench.
Van der Merwe, who won his two Test caps in June, will remain with the squad ahead of next week's match against the Wallabies.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg
South Africa: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Jean de Villiers, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Oliver, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon