Tri-Nations test in Pretoria has feel of an ambush

By DANIEL GILHOOLY

DURBAN - Saturday's Tri-Nations test in Pretoria has all the hallmarks of an ambush for the All Blacks, with aspects of the game even mirroring the Springboks' greatest rugby moment, the 1995 World Cup final.

South Africa's last test at home before the World Cup is sure to attract a full house at the seething cauldron that is Loftus Versfeld.

Adding further spice is that Pretoria favourite, Joost van der Westhuizen, will be playing his final test at home and the veteran halfback is sure to get an emotional send-off.

Also, former president and South African icon Nelson Mandela celebrates his 85th birthday, igniting memories of the 1995 final when his presence at Ellis Park inspired South Africa to their famous 15-12 triumph.

As with 1995, South Africa have been playing unspectacular but winning rugby in the lead up and openly admit they will rely on a physical style laced with passion.

Victory over Australia last weekend has raised spirits here and the New Zealand players are anticipating thunderous support for the home side.

One of several Bulls players to be appearing on their home ground, lock Victor Matfield said Loftus was one ground where home town advantage genuinely applied.

"When Loftus is packed, it's awesome to play there. They might be the most hostile crowd in the country, with all the Afrikaan supporters there," Matfield said.

"If you go in front, they're just crazier. The crowd always lifts you.

"It's going to be extra motivation for the guys playing at the home ground. It's going to be nice for us."

All Blacks opposite Chris Jack has yet to play a test in Pretoria -- along with all of his starting team mates aside from centre Tana Umaga.

Super 12 visits there had given Jack some idea how unforgiving the crowd will be.

"Pretoria is interesting. Whenever you play up there, you're not just playing the opposition, you're playing the crowd as well," Jack said.

"It's always a really hostile environment and it's great for South Africans. But we always enjoy a great challenge."

Coach John Mitchell didn't want to discuss the extra difficulties that Loftus provides to visiting teams but said the test would be an experience for all his players.

"It's one of the great grounds of test rugby, it's a fantastic facility," he said.

South Africa will also be motivated by a desire not to lose a record fifth-straight test to the All Blacks.

Coach Rudolf Straeuli believes they should have ended the rot last year in Durban, when they eventually fell 23-30, handing New Zealand the only away victory from any team in last year's Tri-Nations.

"We should have shut them out in Durban," Straeuli said.

"Most of the game we had the better of them and they showed that they had a good side.

"We would like to change what happened here last year.

"There is the respect, this is the utmost test of a Springbok side -- to test themselves against New Zealand."

- NZPA