All Blacks: Fresh spring in the step

Coach Graham Henry says the All Blacks will look at the South African tests as a series and try to do the business. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The All Blacks still felt the physical effects of a bruising Bledisloe Cup encounter when they touched down in South Africa for their next Tri-Nations rugby assignment, though the pain was eased by the manner of their victory over Australia.

By extending their recent dominance over the Wallabies with an ultimately efficient 22-16 triumph at Eden Park on Saturday night, players and management are approaching two tests against the world champion Springboks with renewed confidence.

After three uninspiring performances against France and Italy the pressure had intensified on the All Blacks, so their ability to erase an early 10-point deficit against the Australians was welcome relief ahead of Saturday's (3am Sun NZT) test in Bloemfontein.

Centre Conrad Smith, one of 10 changes to the starting lineup that stuttered past Italy three weeks ago, said a more polished performance would be hugely beneficial on their road trip.

By mounting a successful comeback for the third time in succession against Australia, Smith said the squad felt capable of working their way out of any predicament.

"We made a habit of it last year, coming from behind. There was no panic, we just knew we weren't executing well," he said.

"When you've got a group of guys who've been through that a lot of times, you do take strength from it.

"You can look around and there's a lot of experience there. We were always pretty calm."

While the team's composure against Australia has been a feature of the four-match winning streak against their neighbours, Smith said last weekend's match still felt like a fresh start to the season.

"It was tough after the first three weeks [tests]. We were still finding our feet as a team and it had a different feel."

The return of Richie McCaw, Rodney So'oialo and Sitiveni Sivivatu added to the feelgood factor and the trio will clearly be better for the run after injury breaks.

The lineout is one area that will demand attention after the Wallabies filched four All Black throws in the first half before the strategy was revised at halftime.

Hooker Andrew Hore, playing his first test since suffering a rib injury early in the season-opening loss to France, over-threw a couple though assistant coach Steve Hansen spread the blame.

"Lineouts are about timing, it's not just the hooker it's the lifters and the jumpers as well," he said.

"I think there's a lesson there for Andrew and [lineout caller] Isaac [Ross] that when you put yourself under a bit of pressure you have to keep believing in your systems and vary up your lineouts a little more than we probably did in the first 30 minutes."

The All Blacks realise that set piece must be solid against a South African formation spearheaded by Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.

The 28-man squad settled into their base at Centurion, near Pretoria, after a long journey via Sydney and Johannesburg.

There was precious little time for recovery after the test against the Wallabies and flying out the next day so the buildup will be carefully managed this week.

The All Blacks have claimed the last two Tri-Nations encounters in Durban and Cape Town.

"Touring South Africa and playing two test matches is a huge challenge," Henry said.

"That's the reality and I'm sure that we'll galvanise to the challenge.

"The All Blacks have only won one series there [in 1996].

"We'll look at this as a series and try to do the business."

- NZPA