Preview: New Zealand v South Africa

South African determination will steel the visitors' approach but New Zealand will expect that and look to continue their momentum towards the World Cup in the Investec Tri Nations Test in Wellington on Saturday.

VENUE & TIME: Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 19.35 (NZT)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 82, Won, New Zealand 45, South Africa 33, drawn 3

LAST TIME: August 21, 2010 (Johannesburg) – New Zealand 29-22 South Africa

WALKING WOUNDED: South Africa's injury woes are well documented with 21 at home missing the Australasian trip and then fullback Gio Aplon, locks Flip van der Merwe and Johann Muller returning home with Gerhard Mostert coming in at lock as a replacement, fresh from Paris. New Zealand have Cory Jane coming back from a dislocated finger while lock Sam Whitelock is back after his break with prop Tony Woodcock and utility back Isaia Toeava being sent to the ITM Cup for match play before coming into the selection frame next week.

FORM:
New Zealand:
Won v Fiji 60-14 (h)
Won v Wales 37-25 (a)
Won v Ireland 38-18 (a)
Won v Scotland 49-3 (a)
Won v England 26-16 (a)

South Africa:
Lost v Australia 20-39 (a)
Won v England 21-11 (a)
Lost v Scotland 17-21 (a)
Won v Wales 29-25 (a)
Won v Ireland 23-21 (a)

South Africa got a real shock when hammered by Australia in their first game of the new season, something of a surprise not to have had a warm-up game, something that both New Zealand and Australia were able to organise with their Pacific Island neighbours. That at least gave New Zealand some realisation of areas that needed attention while South Africa will have learnt plenty from the Australian loss, although whether that is enough to seriously test the All Blacks remains to be seen.

WHO'S HOT: He might have come on from the bench against Australia but Patrick Lambie, who will start at fullback, breathed life and vigour not often seen in recent South African history when playing at first five-eighths. There may well be a touch of the James O'Connor about his efforts at fullback and he shapes as the genuine future of South African rugby. Danie Rossouw always has the potential to create problems but much will depend on the support he can get in the loose. New Zealand have named a loose trio with a real cutting edge in Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino and Adam Thomson, and they can be expected to be a force in this contest. Whitelock's return at lock is another boost of class to the team while Daniel Carter's return to start at first five-eighths should see him continue his steps up to the World Cup.

WE THINK: South Africa are certain to produce a physical first quarter – why would they do anything other than revert to their strong history of belligerent defence? That is what South Africans slip back into in default mode and that is what they have to do to make a mark in this game. But given the lack of experienced personnel it is unlikely to be enough. There is a gathering core of momentum in the All Blacks combination and while not at full strength it is markedly more experienced with 640 camps as opposed to 271 for South Africa, 103 of which rest with John Smit. Given the forecast fine conditions in Wellington this should be a bonus-point 20 points margin to New Zealand.

TEAMS:
New Zealand: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Andrew Hore, 3. Ben Franks, 4. Sam Whitelock, 5. Ali Williams, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Richie McCaw, 8. Adam Thomson, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 10. Daniel Carter, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 13. Conrad Smith, 14. Cory Jane, 15. Mils Muliaina
Reserves: 16. Corey Flynn, 17. John Afoa, 18. Jarrad Hoeata, 19. Liam Messam, 20. Piri Weepu, 21. Colin Slade, 22. Sonny Bill Williams.

South Africa: 1.Dean Greyling, 2.John Smit (captain), 3.Werner Kruger, 4.Gerhard Mostert, 5.Alistair Hargreaves, 6.Deon Stegmann, 7.Jean Deysel, 8.Danie Rossouw, 9.Ruan Pienaar, 10.Morne Steyn, 11.Lwazi Mvovo, 12.Juan de Jongh, 13.Adi Jacobs, 14.Bjorn Basson, 15.Patrick Lambie.

Reserves: 16.Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17.CJ van der Linde, 18.Ryan Kankowski, 19.Ashley Johnson, 20.Charl McLeod, 21.Wynand Olivier, 22.Odwa Ndungane.

REFEREE: Alain Rolland