The result was always to be a foregone conclusion, but the All Blacks would be satisfied with having emerged from their Canadian victory with no new injuries to add to their list.
Already the All Blacks have lost locks Keith Robinson, Ali Williams and Jason Eaton to injury, whilst Chris Jack has joined winger Doug Howlett on paternity leave and they will not be making the trip to South Africa to face the Springboks in Durban on Saturday.
But although there are no new injuries, the players that make up the lock pairing expected to face the Boks – Troy Flavell and Blues teammate Greg Rawlinson – both have injury concerns, although assistant coach Steve Hansen has assured that their preparation will not be affected.
“There are no major injuries at all, really,” Hansen told New Zealand website YahooXtra.
“We came through the game pretty much unscathed apart from the odd bump or bruise.
“Troy [Flavell] dislocated a finger but it is not a major issue.”
Rawlinson did not play against Canada as he is nursing a minor head injury.
Meanwhile, Hansen is no doubt that the Springboks will pose a stern physical test to the All Blacks.
“That is how South Africa plays. They want to be in your face, they are a physical side. So, you have got to keep your discipline,” he said.
“Rugby is a game of intimidation and the physical nature of the game means you are always going to get some pushing and shoving from time to time.”
Hansen said that the normal prestige of Tests between the two great rivals had been reduced in recent years, but nevertheless the All Blacks were excited about the prospect of scoring a rare win in South Africa.
“The boys are really, really excited about the fact we are here to play in South Africa. Sometimes it can be a burden and they come so often now, it is not as exciting as it may have been in the past.
“The guys know this is a big Test match and they are excited by it.”
Already the All Blacks have lost locks Keith Robinson, Ali Williams and Jason Eaton to injury, whilst Chris Jack has joined winger Doug Howlett on paternity leave and they will not be making the trip to South Africa to face the Springboks in Durban on Saturday.
But although there are no new injuries, the players that make up the lock pairing expected to face the Boks – Troy Flavell and Blues teammate Greg Rawlinson – both have injury concerns, although assistant coach Steve Hansen has assured that their preparation will not be affected.
“There are no major injuries at all, really,” Hansen told New Zealand website YahooXtra.
“We came through the game pretty much unscathed apart from the odd bump or bruise.
“Troy [Flavell] dislocated a finger but it is not a major issue.”
Rawlinson did not play against Canada as he is nursing a minor head injury.
Meanwhile, Hansen is no doubt that the Springboks will pose a stern physical test to the All Blacks.
“That is how South Africa plays. They want to be in your face, they are a physical side. So, you have got to keep your discipline,” he said.
“Rugby is a game of intimidation and the physical nature of the game means you are always going to get some pushing and shoving from time to time.”
Hansen said that the normal prestige of Tests between the two great rivals had been reduced in recent years, but nevertheless the All Blacks were excited about the prospect of scoring a rare win in South Africa.
“The boys are really, really excited about the fact we are here to play in South Africa. Sometimes it can be a burden and they come so often now, it is not as exciting as it may have been in the past.
“The guys know this is a big Test match and they are excited by it.”
365 Digital
