2:25PM Saturday June 23, 2007
The All Blacks are bracing themselves for their most physical encounter of 2007 to date when they play the Springboks in tomorrow morning's Tri-Nations test in Durban.
Skipper Richie McCaw says he and his fellow forwards are going to have to quickly adapt to the physical nature of the South Africans.
His team mate Anton Oliver is paying tribute to his opposite Gary Botha, who is replacing injured skipper John Smit. Oliver is wary of Botha's form and ability to step up to the big occasion.
"Obviously he hasn't played as much rugby as John Smit, but he's been part of that wonderful Bulls team."
Botha's inexperience will be offset by recalled prop Os du Randt, a veteran of 71 tests.
Springboks' skipper Victor Matfield is expressing respect for the inexperienced All Blacks he will be lining up alongside in the line-outs.
Greg Rawlinson and Troy Flavell will start in the second-row following the injury crisis at lock.
"They did a very good job in the Super 14. I think Troy Flavell is regarded by a lot of people as the best lock in the Super 14 this year."
The match gets underway at 1am.
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