Rumours of changes to All Blacks lineup

4.00pm

The Springboks have been allowing for the possibility that the All Blacks will make a couple of late changes to their run-on side for Sunday morning's Tri Nations rugby test in Johannesburg.

There is some talk that Carlos Spencer may start at first five after all, and not Andrew Mehrtens.

There are also indications that a fit again Daniel Carter will come in at second five for Sam Tuitupou.

Springbok coach Jake White said he has heard the rumours and has made sure his players are prepared.

However, White said he still expects Mehrtens to start.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has also tinkered with his side's tactics for Sunday morning's game.

Henry said they need a new defensive approach for South Africa compared with the Wallabies.

The All Blacks got a vibrant and youthful South African welcome when they arrived at their Johannesburg hotel 24 hours from kick off, which is at 1am Sunday, NZ time.

The colourfully-dressed Ubuntu Marimba Band, from Dr Mary Malahlela Primary School in the township of Soweto, treated the players to some lively music and dancing as they got off their bus.

The 40-strong group, aged 12 to 15, belted out their numbers on tin drums, wooden xylophones, saxophones, trumpets and horns.

"It was great, very welcoming," skipper Tana Umaga said. "It adds a bit of culture to our stay here."

Earlier today, the All Blacks had a light captain's run before flying out of Cape Town, where they had been based since their arrival in South Africa last Sunday.

Coach Graham Henry described the session as low-key and more mental than physical, adding that there were no injury concerns in the squad.

Here at home, Wellington has kicked off the NPC with a win, beating Canterbury 34-27.

The Lions scored five tries to two and pick up the maximum five competition points.

In other first division matches on Saturday, Otago hosts Northland (2.35pm), Taranaki plays North Harbour in New Plymouth (5.30pm) and Waikato takes on Southland in Hamilton (7.35pm).

- NEWSTALK ZB and NZPA