All Blacks coach Graham Henry was happy to turn the pressure up on the beleaguered Springboks ahead of this weekend’s test, saying a victory would be “vital” to the South Africans.

With a World Cup campaign around the corner and both sides doing some serious tinkering with their lineups ahead of that tournament, it’s a moot point who has more to lose or gain out of this Tri-Nations test on Sunday (NZ time).

But Henry is certainly able to speak from a position of strength, having beaten both the Boks and Wallabies in New Zealand. Whatever result from here the Tri-Nations title will still be decided in next week’s tournament finale when the All Blacks play the Wallabies in Brisbane.

Henry has taken the luxury of fielding a very experimental lineup as was confirmed last night with fullback Israel Dagg (thigh), wing Isaia Toeava (hip), centre Richard Kahui (hamstring) and loosehead prop Tony Woodcock (foot) were all awarded their first tests of the year after long layoffs with injuries. John Afoa and second-five Sonny Bill Williams have been handed their first starts of the season while nine star players rest back in New Zealand.

By contrast the win-less South Africans have made five changes but added plenty of experience to an already test-hardened side.

Coach Peter de Villiers has been playing down the importance of this result for his team but Henry, in a subtle game of brinkmanship, didn’t agree.

“I think it’s hell of an important,” he said when asked about the relevance of a victory for the Boks.

“I would think Peter (de Villiers) and John (Smit) and the team will be desperate. It would just give them the little kick they need going into the World Cup. They haven’t got another game so I would think it is vital for them to win,” Henry said, pausing then adding with a smile that he was “adding a little bit more pressure” on the hosts.
Henry said the All Blacks had little option but to cast their radical selection for this game because time was ticking away on the World Cup with the 30-man squad to be named next week.

“We have picked the side with a view going forward. A lot of these players haven’t played a lot of rugby lately.

They have been out injured but they are definitely major contenders for the World Cup side. We need to see them play and hopefully they will help us make the decisions needed.”

But that didn’t mean they weren’t here to win and he had confidence in a side that had trained well this week and was buzzing to take their chance. But he put that into context: “It’s a massive challenge. The history of All Blacks-Springboks says it’s always a major contest and it’s going to be a major contest for this group of players this weekend.

“The South Africans are due for a win and they will be on the edge of the edge, I’d imagine.
“They have picked a side that is obviously going to be very physical and carries the ball well. They have also got kicking ability, so I think it is going to be a major contest for this group.”

Dagg’s inclusion at fullback means a new back three alongside wings Hosea Gear and Toeava while Henry was expecting big things from the rookie midfield combination of Kahui and Williams.

The backline has just 110 caps between them with halfback Jimmy Cowan (43) boasting the bulk of those.

There was still plenty of experience to call on up front where the pack shares 338 test appearances.

Liam Messam has a chance to cement his claims as the backup No 8 and Adam Thomson takes his third position in the back row in as many tests this year, playing at openisde flanker in the absence of Richie McCaw.

“Adam is an experienced player. He has played 20 tests and he’s a tough competitor. He can play at six, possibly eight and seven so he’s an ideal guy to have in a World Cp squad, particularly off the bench when you can cover those positions.”

The All Blacks got through two rigorous training sessions in hot conditions yesterday. The sessions were both physical and detailed – and pleasingly accurate. There’s just the captain’s run left at the impressive Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

NEW ZEALAND: Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Sam Whitelock, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Piri Weepu, Cory Jane.

– Stuff