John Drake: Veterans have steel to defeat Boks

These days we tend not to give the Springboks the respect of old.

We assume the All Blacks will win no matter what team we put on the park.

Most of the time we believe the All Blacks will belt the Boks by big scores. But most games are close.

Actually, we still struggle to win matches in South Africa, particularly on the high veld. So, despite supporter confidence, the next two tests will be a tough assignment.

Graham Henry and co have never won a test in the republic and a victory at Pretoria early tomorrow morning could be seen as a vital psychological step forward. A loss could bring back some doubts about the current personnel and structures built over the last couple of seasons.

But if this test is so important, then why make 11 changes from what we all thought was the A team against Australia?

I think this team were selected about two weeks ago and would have been the same whatever the outcome of the Wallabies test at Eden Park.

I reckon the selectors really believe this team have the attributes to win against a fired-up Springbok team, backed by supporters with fanatical passion beyond belief. This team have mental steel, experience and real physical presence, all vital when taking on the Boks at home.

With due respect to the likes of Jerome Kaino and Isaia Toeava, this match is for old veterans, not kindergarten graduates. Guys like Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver, Ali Williams, Reuben Thorne, Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear and Chris Masoe are just the blokes wanted for the job and just in case things get tricky there are Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Chris Jack and Jerry Collins on the bench.

Of the new guys, most attention will be on Greg Rawlinson.

He is lucky to be involved as his form this year has not been to the standard he set in the previous two seasons. Maybe he is being used to unsettle the Springboks with his local knowledge as he will certainly make them think twice about communicating lineout codes and general tactics in Afrikaans.

If anything, Rawlinson will bring a physical toughness to the All Black pack - again, I suspect he will need it as he will be targeted and intimidated both mentally and physically. Just ask Clyde Rathbone how he enjoys playing his former countrymen, as he gets regularly belted.

How Rawlinson and the other tight forwards react to the pressure may dictate how well the All Blacks get through the match, for I have little doubt that with quality ball, Daniel Carter and Luke McAlister have the ability to unleash the likes of Mils Muliaina, Gear and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

These guys are built to play on top of the ground and Loftus Versfeld with the sun on their backs is just about as perfect a place as they will get to scorch the Springboks out wide.

All year we have been waiting for the backs to click. On form, this is the best attacking centre/wing combination we have.

South Africa will want to destroy their confidence by kicking high and behind with plenty of chasers and attempt to catch an individual behind the advantage line. These days most Bok tries come from turnovers at rucks or smashing tackles and quick runaways.

The All Blacks know this and will have plans to control territory, be accurate at the breakdown and be patient. Carter is rated the best but has yet to give his best in a test in South Africa. He is too good not to fire soon and if it's this weekend, the Springboks will have a miserable day.

And what about the McCaw factor? After last week, I thought he would take a rest, but I understand he specifically asked to play again - something about unfinished business - and so there's probably not much else to say.

So, a very tough assignment for the All Blacks to win, but I believe they have the personnel and attitude to do it.

Their hosts have been waiting for a chance to belt the All Blacks and Australia on their own terms and their own turf.

This is the first of three crucial tests for players and management. Maybe Jake White will be gone unless he gets three wins. If so, then he might need to start looking at the rugby situations vacant column.