All Blacks looking to 'out-smart' Boks
South Africa may have moved away from their defence dominated game plan and become a more rounded team, but New Zealand still feel they can 'outsmart' the Springboks.
In a departure from previous Boks sides, under coach Heyneke Meyer they have looked comfortable moving the ball wide, playing an attacking game and have shown they can win away from home.
All Blacks playmaker Dan Carter, who admitted to being impressed with the high-octane approach, still believes the All Blacks will still be able to "out-think" the Springboks.
"This is going to be the biggest match of our year so far, and even potentially one of the biggest since the World Cup because of the form they're in," Carter said of Saturday's crucial Rugby Championship showdown in Auckland.
"Their backs are scoring good tries, their outside backs are making breaks, and they're a bit more of an all-round package – whereas in previous years they have been quite one-dimensional.
"The thing we pride ourselves on is having the ability to out-think them as well, but it's going to be a challenge this week."
The Springboks, having broken their Brisbane hoodoo with a 38-12 demolition of Australia last week, have placed multiple targets in their sights this week.
They have not won at Eden Park since 1937 while the All Blacks are on a 30-Test winning streak on the same ground.
The All Blacks also need one more victory to become the most successful Test winning nation of all time.
When they beat Argentina last week they drew level with France on 382 wins.
"Last week showed records are there to be broken," Springboks assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher said.
"We took a lot of confidence out of last week. Our job is to make sure we win every Test match."
AFP
