All Blacks: Secrecy surrounds ABs' training

Secret squirrel: The All Blacks training 'at an undisclosed venue' in Durban. Photo / Getty Images

There's plenty of secrecy surrounding the All Blacks training session in Durban, a couple of days out from the Tri-Nations test against South Africa.

The All Blacks revealed their training venue less than an hour before it began and only allowed New Zealand media to attend it.

Speculation is rife that the Springboks knew the All Black lineout calls prior to the game in Bloemfontein.

Springbok lock Victor Matfield admits they know the All Blacks line out exceedingly well. But he says it is because they have done their homework by studying New Zealand's previous test matches this year.

Victor Matfield says the speculation is actually a compliment to their lineout and how well it went in Bloemfontein. He says he does not care who watches him preparing for a game because they they will still have no idea what he is going to call come game time.

All Blacks lock Isaac Ross, who calls the lineout moves, says he has been working with assistant coach Steve Hansen and during his own time to try to rectify the problems they had in the first test. He says he has to try to think outside the square a bit and take the obvious calls.

Meanwhile, reserve All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu left training with a slight back concern to get treatment.

A wet weather test is a distinct possibility in Durban this Sunday morning. A front of bad weather is forecast to hit the city the day the All Blacks and Springboks meet at Kings Park, bringing with it rain and 30 kilometre per hour winds.

South African assistant coach Dick Muir says that would be disappointing given the good weather they have had thus far. He says obviously the elements are there and the Springboks will adapt to whatever conditions they are faced with, but obviously it will not be an expansive game if it is raining.

Muir believes the All Blacks, while well versed in wet weather rugby, are looking to keep the ball in hand and would prefer a dry track.

- NEWSTALK ZB