All Blacks: Avoiding the first-half yips

Joe Rokocoko (R) said last week's opening half was among the less memorable of his career. Photo / Getty Images

Striking a balance between mental and physical readiness is crucial for the All Blacks to avoid another bout of the first-half rugby yips against South Africa here tomorrow morning (NZT).

Two weeks ago in Auckland, Australia bolted to a 10-0 lead inside 10 minutes before the All Blacks slowly ground them down in the Tri-Nations opener.

Last week's 19-28 loss to the Springboks in Bloemfontein featured New Zealand's worst first-half performance for eight years - at least on the scoresheet.

They trailed 3-14, the sort of deficit not seen since Australia led the All Blacks 19-6 at the break in a 2001 encounter. Just like last weekend, New Zealand fought back in that Sydney test, only to be denied by a late try, to No 8 Toutai Kefu.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said the two sloppy starts couldn't be compared.

"Against the Aussies we were off the pace physically, we fell off a few tackles and allowed them to get on top of us that way before we got back into the game," he said.

"Whereas last week we started off physical but perhaps overly. We gave away a couple of penalties that caused us to be at the wrong end of the field.

"We've just got to make sure that we start with that real physical edge but be calm and not make silly mistakes that allows the pressure to build on you.

"Otherwise you just hope for the best."

Winger Joe Rokocoko said the opening half - which was third worst in 76 tests against the Springboks - was among the less memorable in his seven-year career.

South Africa dominated possession, kicked and drove with precision, held sway with referee Alain Rolland's penalty rulings and denied the error-ridden All Blacks oxygen to attack.

"Going into that second half, we still felt fresh. We felt like we had plenty in the tank, we didn't feel like we had played the game," Rokocoko said.

The All Blacks have become second-half specialists over the past year and will be pleased to be at sea level tomorrow.

No more thin air and a full week's preparation under the belt could see them come home strong if they are within sight at the turnaround.

They have won on their last two trips to ABSA Stadium, where the Springboks have won just 60 per cent of their tests, comfortably their worst record at a regular home venue.

McCaw didn't want to get carried away about the venue, believing all South African grounds carry a high degree of difficulty.

"It's the old story, when the Springboks get on top of you or the crowd get in behind them, that's when it becomes a bit of a lonely place out there," he said.

"But if you start performing, you take that sort of factor out of the game.

"For the guys who have been here a few times, you put it to the side really."

Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Graham Henry scotched suggestions, raised this week by South African counterpart Peter de Villiers, that the All Blacks had always targetted the Durban test as a priority on the two-test visit.

However, he did admit the tour would be regarded as a success if they flew out on Sunday with one win under their belt.

"Of for sure. That would be very nice."

Victory would see the All Blacks reclaim the world No 1 ranking they lost last weekend.

However, a South African win would see them claim the Freedom Cup which is contested annually between the sides.

- NZPA