Having completed their first task with a 24-17 win over Springboks in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship at Eden Park, the All Blacks now look to Wellington to secure the Freedom Cup and key points in the Championship on Saturday.
Assistant coach Jason Ryan says getting the players fresh and reset back to zero will be important for a good training week because they are expecting a big response from South Africa this week.
He says it could be a wet night again in Wellington, so they will prepare accordingly.
Ryan adds that both hooker Codie Taylor, who failed his HIA, and wing Emoni Narawa, who has a rib injury, won't be considered for the Wellington test.
Ryan said he was concerned with the scrums, especially in the second half when a tight-head led to a Springbok try.
He says wing Rieko Ioane's effort in denying a try by preventing prop Ox Nche from getting the ball down over the line was instinctive and an outstanding key moment.
Ryan also praised Tupou Vaa'i's effort in returning to lock after having started on the blindside flank in earlier Tests.
Coach Scott Robertson said he was pleased with the way the All Blacks competed in defensive sets.
The All Blacks take on the Springboks at 7.05pm Saturday at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies play Los Pumas 4pm Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
Source: allblacks.com
