All Blacks: Carter's guide to beating the Boks

Dan Carter hopes to pass a late fitness test and play for his club Southbridge this weekend. Photo / Getty Images

Dan Carter insists there is no harder challenge than playing the Springboks in South Africa.

Coming from the world's No 1 rugby player, these words indicate the scale of the task facing the All Blacks in Bloemfontein this weekend.

England and France once fought a war for 100 years and the continuation of hostilities at 3am on Sunday between the New Zealand and South African rugby teams 88 years after their first encounter promises to be as lively as ever.

Carter will sit at home in Christchurch and watch the game in his new role.

"I have turned into the All Blacks No 1 supporter," he grins.

"I get nervous, which is a weird feeling because there is nothing I can do sitting in front of the TV.

"I just get nervous for the boys because I know all the hard work they will have put in during the week. And I also know it can go either way for them on the field.

"It will be another frustrating weekend for me having to sit back and watch. I would always rather be in among them playing there."

Just what is it about playing in South Africa? New Zealand first went there in 1928 but didn't win a test series until 1996, 68 years later.

Since that 1996 watershed series, the All Blacks have won eight of the 13 games played in the republic, which suggests the mystique is no more. But Carter isn't so sure.

"There is still no harder challenge than playing the South Africans in South Africa. It provides a completely different challenge because the crowds are a big factor. They are so hostile, vocal and passionate about their team and the game of rugby. Even just going to the match and the week leading into it is huge. You are told constantly by the South African people you will lose. That can inspire some people or make it harder for other guys.

"South Africa is such a physical and strong side and when the crowd gets behind them, they seem to grow another leg.

"So going there is a really tough challenge. Yet it is something that brings the best out in the All Blacks because it is so tough. We love playing under those pressures and have had some good wins."

None more so than last year at Cape Town when the All Blacks, magnificently inspired by their captain Richie McCaw, withstood a fearsome battering to cling to a precarious 3-0 lead for an hour before breaking out to win 19-0.

It was one of the finest defensive performances seen in recent years of test rugby and McCaw's performance made him the Player of the Year in most people's eyes.

What was that game like and what of McCaw's superlative display that day? Carter remembers it well. "I remember that game pretty fondly. We were under the heat, but still had this really strong belief we could break out in the end and do it.

"Credit to the guys, that was what happened in the last 20 minutes. It was awesome both to get the win and keep them try-less. We put a huge emphasis on our defence for that game and it really paid off. It was one of the best defensive performances I had ever been involved in."

And McCaw? "The same as usual," said his Crusaders' teammate, matter-of-factly. "He led by his own actions rather than words. Watching your captain play like that is so inspirational."

Carter isn't sure on the altitude issue. At 1395m above sea level, Bloemfontein is not quite as high up as Johannesburg (1753m). But isn't it still a factor for visiting sides?

He suspects the exertions from New Zealand's match last Saturday against Australia might be the more relevant point. "You have to take into context the intensity of that game. The guys really put their bodies on the line and to be travelling only 12 hours after that doesn't help your recovery.

"The first game [in Bloemfontein] will be tough for the boys because it does take a little longer to get your second wind. It is not ideal for the team to be travelling and playing just one week after a hard test match."

An unfair disadvantage? Typically for a guy who just accepts adversity and gets on with life, Carter shrugs.

"I believe it comes down to your mental attitude. If they turn up and play I am confident they can put in good performances. Sure, the journey makes it tough but it is one of those things. South Africa have had to do it enough times so it is something you have to overcome and prepare the best you possibly can in those circumstances.

"But I have been on the receiving end of a South African side going up a gear in the last 20 minutes. When you have nothing left in the tank there isn't a lot you can do about it, which is when the use of your reserves is so crucial.

"But the guys know what to expect and you just have to dig deep."

To the outsider, it would seem logical for the All Blacks to focus not on this weekend's game but the one next Saturday at sea level in Durban. Win one of the two and New Zealand is in the box seat for a fifth successive Tri-Nations title. But Carter doesn't see it quite like that.

"We will be targeting this one then worrying about the next test after that. Anything is possible.

"Realistically, the second game could be easier. We won't have to worry about travelling and will have had another week together. The win over Australia was huge for us; there is nothing worse than travelling after a loss. We got the tournament off to a good start from our point of view and that is the standard now. But we have to continue to improve if we are going to be properly involved."

Carter reckons the All Blacks should revel in that now largely unknown phenomenon for New Zealand test rugby players, an afternoon kick-off.

"In the last month, they have played only night test matches where it was cold and the ball was slippery. The guys will be looking forward to playing with (hopefully) a dry ball. That may mean they are able to play more open rugby and score tries. That is the style I think everyone wants to see."

For Dan Carter and the All Blacks, it could be a momentous weekend. If he passes a late fitness test, he will mark his return to rugby with a game for his club, Southbridge, where he grew up playing age grade rugby. It will be his first outing since he damaged his Achilles tendon on duty for French club Perpignan, in Paris, on January 30.

His message is reassuring. "I feel good, I feel 100 per cent and now it is a matter of getting some contact. I have been doing a lot of running and have got my speed back. It took a while but now I have no problems. There is nothing holding me back."

But nothing will force him to rush back too soon to the highest level, a wise precaution.

* Peter Bills is a rugby writer with Independent News & Media in London