KEY POINTS:
Lock Ali Williams remains a touch-and-go prospect for an All Blacks rugby side bracing themselves for a torrid forward battle against South Africa in wintry Wellington on Saturday.
Williams sent a scare through the camp when he went down clutching his already-sore ankle at training this afternoon after landing awkwardly during a lineout drill.
He eventually resumed and completed a session in which he otherwise appeared unaffected as the teams continued preparations for the opening Tri-Nations test of the season.
An All Blacks spokesman said Williams' status was unchanged and the 49-test forward's sprain would be assessed tomorrow by medical staff as planned.
With Williams a pivotal figure to combat the Springboks' lineout, it was a chilling moment for the All Blacks on another cold, wet day in the capital.
Conditions threaten to turn the match at Westpac Stadium into a slog.
Rain and temperatures as low as 4degC are forecast for the night of the test and All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith admits they are preparing for something similar to the freezing season-opening test against Ireland at the same venue last month.
"But nothing changes really, to beat the 'Boks anyway you have to compete well up front," he said.
"They are not the sort of team you can lose the forward battle and beat, they tend to smother you."
Smith agreed the Ireland test, won 21-11 and described by players as the coldest game they had ever played, was an excellent reference point in preparations this week.
"At least we have played under it and probably know what it is going to be like that, and we are probably better prepared.
"We've looked at South Africa with a mind to this sort of weather happening."
While the forward battle will be pivotal, the performance of halfback Andy Ellis and first five-eighth Daniel Carter will also set the tone.
Error free link work and accurate kicking was a must and Carter was in the mood to deliver, Smith said.
"I think he is in the best form I have seen him in, probably since '05. So this sort of weather, if it is bad, tends to reward skilled players.
"He and Andy Ellis are skilled players. And they are bright players, hopefully they will make an impact."
Smith sensed an air of determination from his team this week, with the younger players particularly impressive.
All of that will be needed against their world champion opponents who are loaded with experience and sky high on confidence after 13 successive test wins.
"It is a new (All Blacks) team and we are green in some areas. We are just looking for attitude and enthusiasm to overcome that," Smith said.
"It's really hard to assimilate what a Tri-Nations test match against the 'Boks is going to be like in terms of physicality and in terms of intensity with some of the new guys.
"They have just got to experience it. We have tried to replicate it in our build up.
"We have had quite an intense week but I am sure the first few minutes are really going to tell on some players and we are going to have to adjust quickly."
Possibly due to the weather, about 3000 tickets remained unsold today.
- NZPA
