Kieran Read: 'They'll be baying for our blood'

All Blacks number 8 Kieran Read. Photo / By Greg Bowker

Kieran Read is excited about the hostile atmosphere the All Blacks can expect to face at Ellis Park for their next Rugby Championship fixture.

Read is counting on big game experience for Saturday's test match and he said that Ellis Park was "a fun place to play", despite the overwhelming support the home side will have over the All Blacks.

"Experience matters in really big games, with the conditions we're going to be facing, and the hostility we'll find at the ground," said Read. "We'll certainly enjoy it.

"It's different to playing in New Zealand and South African fans are very passionate. Ellis Park is their home and it's always a great game.

"I know the crowd is certainly baying for our blood and we want to get out there as soon as we can. Once you get on the field it pretty much becomes white noise. In some ways they could be screaming for you.

"It's hard to know what's being said but if we can go out there and play our game and play well, it can do a bit in showing up the crowd but we know it's a big test.

The Springboks let slip a 13-point margin away to the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday and Tevita's Kuridrani's controversial match-winning try won the game after the full-time siren.

The All Blacks last defeat came on their last trip to Johannesburg as they were edged out 27-25 by South Africa last October.

"They're a great team and we'll have to go out there and play well to beat them - extremely well to be honest.

"There's a bit of history in the stadium and you soak that up a little bit. For me I love a full house and that's why I play the game - to go out there and perform in front of big intimidating crowds. It gets me going."

The All Blacks have beaten Samoa and Argentina so far in 2015 but the trip to South Africa is their first major test they've faced this year - with the World Cup in the back of everyone's mind.

Everyone in the current 41 man squad will be given a chance to impress Steve Hansen before the final 31 man cut for the World Cup in September.

Daniel Carter and Sonny Bill Williams haven't travelled to South Africa with the squad while Hansen assesses all his options before he names his final 31.

"This squad here is about preparing the best team to go out there and play," said Read. "Whoever gets the chance, everyone is putting their best foot forward.

"We do have to take a step up. It's a different test - especially when you come here. We know the challenge they present and they'll be hurting after last week.

"We've got to keep improving and we can't just rest on where we are right now. Our performance has to lift and we've got to keep doing that throughout the year."

Read expects the Springboks to come at the All Blacks up front and he was impressed by their defence against Australia at the weekend.

"They've got a pretty strong scrum and line out but they'll also look to counter attack. We need to put relentless pressure on them. If we can hold the ball for a number of phases then we can hopefully work up some opportunities.

"Starts are always crucial in big games and you don't want to be chasing your tail too much against good sides and good defences."