KEY POINTS:
Senior lock Ali Williams fell awkwardly at lineout drills and limped from the training ground yesterday for some respite, but the All Blacks still believe he will front for tomorrow's Tri-Nations start against the Springboks.
Williams is desperate to play his 50th test against the World Cup holders and old enemy but his place must be in the balance after he twinged his tender ankle again.
The 27-year-old is a key lineout asset for the All Blacks against a Springbok side which is blessed with jumping targets. If Williams does not make the start his place will go to young North Harbour lock Anthony Boric with Kevin O'Neill shifting into the reserves.
Away from that drama, assistant coach Wayne Smith said the side had a strong week and were ready for the Springbok challenge, though he was unsure whether the All Blacks would be strong enough to beat the visitors.
But he liked the way the side had gelled this week and was most enthused about the work of five eighths Daniel Carter who was back to the imperious form which greeted the Lions in 2005.
Possession and Carter's direction will be massive factors in this test if the weather is as grim as predicted for this Wellington international. The All Blacks had at least played in vile conditions at the same venue against Ireland, they knew what to expect and would adapt.
"We looked at South Africa with a mind to this sort of weather happening and we have done a bit of homework on how we would play this team in bad weather," Smith said.
Carter was not a local but had played in Wellington's bad weather and was in his best form since 2005 and that would count in conditions which tended to reward skilful players.
The All Blacks are defending a stretch of 29 victories in New Zealand going back to the loss against England in 2003 at the same Wellington ground in foul conditions.
Smith said there was no escape from the pressure for the All Blacks to perform, a strain which had magnified since the World Cup year. There was no leeway and a lot of pressure from within the camp which increased with the public and media scrutiny.
"Nothing will change and that is the way I am anyway, "Smith said.
"I put myself under a fair bit of pressure because I love the jersey, I love what I am doing."
But the pressure has heightened with the criticism and the public scrutiny. The glare had not receded, the All Blacks and their staff had to earn respect on a weekly basis, they couldn't earn it one week then let it go the next.
This test was a real chance to make a statement and to continue the form of winning the Tri-Nations for three years in succession. The Boks had fewer changes and were a strong side but the All Blacks were happy with their attitude and training.
Newer men like halfback Andrew Ellis were coming to their game while midfielder Ma'a Nonu was maturing and had developed his kicking skills though he was yet to break it out into his game.
But like his passing, Nonu just needed to use a few kicks, successfully, under pressure and his confidence would grow. "His game is also a lot more rounded, he is a lot more available to the team not staying round rucks, he knows he is a good attacker and needs to be out helping," Smith said.
The All Blacks had recovered from much of the physical onslaught delivered by England. They still carried plenty of bruises and fullback Mils Muliaina had felt a back twinge.
"We are a new team, we are green in some areas and we are looking for attitude and enthusiasm to overcome that," Smith said. "I think it is good, it is hard to simulate what a test series against the Boks is going to be like in terms of intensity and physicality for some of the new guys so they just have to experience it.
"I am sure the opening salvos will challenge some players and we will have to adjust quickly."
