Fullbacks have plenty to prove

4.30pm

DURBAN - The two fullbacks in Sunday's (NZT) All Blacks-Springboks test in Pretoria have plenty to prove, but for different reasons.

All Blacks No 15 Mils Muliaina can take further advantage of others' misfortune with his third-straight start at the back.

The 22-year-old is feeling increasingly comfortable there, particularly with Blues wingers Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko to call on for support.

Muliaina realised nothing could be taken for granted, with main rival Leon MacDonald making his return from post-concussion syndrome for Canterbury in Invercargill on Sunday.

The recalled Ben Blair suffered from the flu this week and missed selection while Howlett was waiting in the wings and the name of record tryscorer Christian Cullen remained on the lips of many.

"I've had my opportunities," Muliaina, 22, said.

"Cully's been there and done all that. They're big boots to fill, he's a great player. I've had a couple of chances to try and play as well as what he did. It's definitely an honour."

This week New Zealand coach John Mitchell predicted the test could turn into a territory war, potentially creating more counter-attack opportunities.

That would suit both Muliaina and Springboks fullback Brent Russell, whose selection in place of the injured Jaco van der Westhuizen has created ample interest here.

Media speculation is that the All Blacks will look to target the defence of the 80kg "pocket rocket", as he has been dubbed.

While Russell's blinding acceleration proved a handful against Australia when he came on as a third-minute substitute against the Wallabies last weekend, his defence is relatively untested.

"We might as well accept that my size is going to be an issue throughout my career and if I am going to make it to the top and play international rugby regularly I am going to have to accept that there might be attempts to play on it," Russell said.

"But I'm not worried about what they intend doing, I'll handle every situation as it arises. The secret is to be well prepared."

Russell, formerly a first five-eighth, has been used sporadically this year by coach Rudolf Straeuli.

There were suggestions he would be rested for this test to keep him in cotton wool but injuries to Jaco van der Westhuyzen and Thinus Delport forced the coach's hand.

- NZPA