All Blacks: Lineouts under the spotlight

Tom Donnelly of the All Blacks jumps in the lineout during the test match against Wales. Photo / Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG - All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly has admitted that a less-than-accurate display in the lineouts against Tri-Nations rugby rivals Australia in Christchurch has sent them back in front of their computer screens.

"We were unhappy with our execution in Christchurch with regards to the lineouts, we felt they had slipped back a notch, so obviously we'll be sitting in front of the computer and doing some analysis," Donnelly said here today.

The All Blacks beat Australia 20-10 in Christchurch on August 7 but lost two of their 11 lineout throws and won poor ball from some of the others.

Normal service will need to be resumed on Sunday (NZT) against a Springbok lineout that has been the benchmark for the last six years, although the tests between the nations in Auckland and Wellington last month did see the All Blacks put them under pressure.

"The Springboks should be pretty sharp at lineout time, it's a great part of their game, they've been top-notch there for several years," Donnelly said.

"Our lineout didn't really function last year, but we've put a lot of hard work in. The steals we made at home against them were down to a bit of luck and a lot of homework."

Victor Matfield is one of the most intimidating foes to come up against in world rugby, but the 28-year-old Donnelly, in just his second year of test rugby, has made massive strides this year and has put to bed earlier worries about New Zealand's depth in the second row.

The Otago lock is now feeling so comfortable on the international stage that he is able to look forward to the daunting prospect of facing the Springboks in front of 90,000 supporters at the same venue that hosted the football World Cup final earlier this year.

"I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be a huge occasion. It's not often we get to play in front of 90,000 people and I'm really excited," Donnelly said.

Victory for the All Blacks will provide Donnelly with his third successive win over the world champions and a memorable first test in South Africa.

- NZPA