Matfield looking for improved effort

RUGBY TRI-NATIONS: New Zealand v South AfricaVICTOR MATFIELD is confident a slight lift in intensity should help the Springboks get back into the Tri-Nations title hunt when they face a resurgent All Blacks in Wellington tomorrow.

The world champions were outmuscled, placed under constant pressure and struggled to match the All Blacks’ high-octane game plan during their 32-12 thrashing in the opening Tri-Nations match last week in Auckland.

Captain John Smit and coach Peter de Villiers both said after the match at Eden Park they would not panic as they felt they could not play much worse and everything was able to be fixed, something echoed by their players this week.

“They did a lot of things right but I must say, we also weren’t there 100 per cent,” Matfield admitted yesterday.

“We were probably about 97 (per cent) and we know in these games if you’re one or two per cent off your game, you will get smashed. And that’s what happened. Hopefully we can be there 100 per cent this week and then hopefully it will be a better Test match.”

Matfield will have a new partner in the secondrow after Bakkies Botha was banned for nine weeks following his headbutt on Jimmy Cowan. Danie Rossouw has been named as his replacement, though he is now doubtful after suffering a calf strain at training.

South Africa have made one other change, with former Leinster prop CJ van der Linde replacing the injured Jannie du Plessis at tighthead.

The All Blacks also made two changes, with Rene Ranger earning his first start on the left wing for the injured Joe Rokocoko.Scrumhalf Piri Weepu has replaced Cowan, who has an abdominal strain, though New Zealand coach Graham Henry admitted they had planned the swap anyway.

NEW ZEALAND: M Muliaina; C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, R Ranger; D Carter, P Weepu; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, O Franks, B Thorn, T Donnelly, J Kaino, R McCaw (capt), K Read.

SOUTH AFRICA: Z Kirchner; J de Villiers, J Fourie, W Olivier, B Habana; M Steyn, R Januarie; G Steenkamp, J Smit (capt), CJ van der Linde, D Rossouw, V Matfield, S Burger, F Louw, P Spies.

Referee: A Rolland (Ireland).