John Drake: Sprung Boks - we've sussed your tactics

The South African performance against Australia last weekend was the poorest Tri-Nations display I have seen.

Sure, there have been ordinary displays from each of the three teams at various times. But never have I seen a team show such a lack of desire, passion, pride, call it what you want. They appeared not to be playing for themselves, the Bok jersey or the nation.

If they had been playing test cricket rather than rugby then the powers above would have been looking hard at Indian bookmakers to see if the match had been fixed.

After that belting, and more changes made to the All Blacks for tomorrow night's test, it hints at a different feel to previous clashes between the old foes.

Those around during the 1956 Springbok tour, when the nation decided that beating the Boks was akin to life or death, would probably struggle with the leadup to this test.

In recent times, South Africa have relied on solid set pieces, borderline defence, accurate goalkicking and tries from turnovers and intercepts.

So it could be assumed that sooner rather than later the opposition would get wise to the defence - particularly in midfield where a good stepper can create havoc with the rushing defenders - minimise the errors and starve and frustrate the Springboks into panic.

This was exposed in Brisbane and it is difficult to see how Jake White can change the structures and game plan so dramatically in the space of a week to make things too much different in Wellington.

The only hope maybe is to recapture some spirit and be more urgent, particularly at the ruck and maul.

Unfortunately passion will only get you so far and this could lead to tomorrow's team talk being White's last.

I have no inside knowledge, but looking at recent events I wonder if this group of Springboks believe in the coach and, more importantly, if he still has the backing of the dysfunctional body that is the South African rugby board.

Over in the All Black camp, Graham Henry is faced with the task of getting the team totally mentally prepared to play to their best.

At the back of everyone's mind is the Springboks' gutless performance. No matter what is said, it will be extremely hard to get that 100 per cent mental edge after watching last weekend's test.

Henry and his fellow coaches may say otherwise, but I wonder if eight changes would have been made if the Springboks had flogged Australia last week?

Sure, there may have been a few changes but by changing more than half the team the selectors have signalled what they think about this Springbok challenge. In the backs, the dropping of Joe Rokocoko is understandable as his self-confidence seems crushed for now.

At the moment Rico Gear is our best wing and should be rewarded by playing every game to keep his edge.

Sam Tuitupou is a direct runner, a swerver rather than a stepper, and may be easier for the rushing Springboks to defend against than Aaron Mauger. Tuitupou is not a kicker and this will add pressure to Daniel Carter's game.

Piri Weepu will enjoy the space offered by the slow South African loose forwards. But so would Byron Kelleher, perhaps even more.

If anyone deserves a rest and rotation, it is probably Rodney So'oialo, but he plays again with the selectors not giving any hint as to who would take his place in case of injury.

Reuben Thorne must still be pinching himself. His Super 14 form was easily good enough to make the initial 39 earlier this year, or even this 30, but he wasn't wanted for the future good of All Black rugby. I wonder if the more he is involved the more Henry and co will appreciate what a contributor he can be.

Thorne will excel at the lineout and allow Richie McCaw to shine at the breakdown, so no problem here.

In my book, Ali Williams really needs a special 80 minutes to regain his former status. He has class but it's too inconsistent, with some of his stunts during games just plain flaky. I suspect the selectors favour him but whether he ends up a bit or main player in the journey to the World Cup next year may be determined by the end of this match.

Anton Oliver is a great choice at scrum time and will help Neemia Tialata when things get tough. The lineout will be where the Springboks will think they have a chance. Oliver has recently changed his throw-in technique after 12 years at the top.

I would have preferred he tried a change at domestic level but he has never run away from a challenge.

The All Blacks should win well. The score will matter, but the style and attitude should be the focus. Unless the forward platform is set and the attack grows after authority is established, things could get messy.

A clue: look at the first few lineouts and scrums and the tactics from Carter. If things are loose and lacking drive and he decides passing is better than kicking, then start to worry. The Springboks surely can't play as badly again but even an improvement should not be enough to beat the Rotation Blacks.