Springboks - leopards or lemmings?

A leopard can't change its spots but can a Springbok?

It's a question All Blacks backline coach Wayne Smith is posing ahead of tomorrow's test in which South Africa start as the overwhelming underdogs.

Smith sensed the test at the Westpac Stadium was a chance for the desperate Springboks to unveil a more adventurous playing style than the direct, pressure-based game employed for two years under coach Jake White.

But Wellington's wet weather this week and - more importantly - the scars from the Springboks' 0-49 loss to Australia last Saturday, may put doubts in their players' minds.

"They've got the ability to do it ... it's whether they've got the mindset after the weekend, the composure to put it together," Smith said.

"They've played a certain way over the last two years but in the back of my mind I have a niggling doubt about how they're going to play."

A sneak peak of the Springboks' attacking flair came in the dying stages of last year's decisive Tri-Nations test in Dunedin, Smith said.

The All Blacks took the lead through a try to hooker Keven Mealamu but spent the last five minutes repelling a host of lightning-quick Springboks raids.

Captain Tana Umaga made a crucial tackle on speed merchant Bryan Habana in the last minute to prevent a boilover result.

"They threw everything at us, moved the ball from even in their territory and nearly got away. They nearly beat us on the outside a couple of times," Smith said.

The All Blacks expect bracketed first five-eighth Butch James to start ahead of Meyer Bosman.

Smith does not think White would go to the effort of flying James from South Africa just to put him on the bench.

Smith has had to jog his memory bank to 2002 for a decent picture of how the hard-hitting No 10 played before being struck down by numerous injuries.

Smith does not expect to see any of the shoulder charges that marked James's defensive style in past years.

"I'm certain he will have fixed up his tackling technique but the psyche won't change.

"He's an aggressive person, he's a gain line player both on attack and defence."

- NZPA