Springboks first five-eighth Morne Steyn booted his way into test rugby's pantheon, carrying his side to a 31-19 defeat of the blundering All Blacks here this morning.

Striking a balance between mental and physical readiness is crucial for the All Blacks against South Africa tomorrow morning.

Props are not supposed to be in a hurry, but new All Black Owen Franks is a bolt from the blue.

Introducing a second referee to top level rugby is a possible solution to offside play that is strangling the All Blacks' counter-attack, according to assistant coach Wayne Smith.

The "heat" is coming on some senior All Blacks backs who will need improved test performances against South Africa here on Sunday morning (NZT) to ensure ongoing Tri-Nations selection.

His dismay at being dropped last week behind him, All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan is braced for a physical battering from the Springboks.

For a man whose rugby career has exploded in the space of three months, it's little wonder Owen Franks is relaxed about making his first All Blacks test start in the furnace of Durban.

South Africa have shown their hand - they will kick the leather off the ball in this weekend's Tri-Nations rugby test.

One of the more dizzying climbs into All Blacks rugby sped up today when Owen Franks was asked to anchor the scrum from the outset against South Africa.