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Old firm reunited in midfield

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith is not expecting too much to be different in the South African approach for Saturday's first Tri Nations Test at Eden Park.

Thursday, 08 July 2010

Sportal.co.nz

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith is not expecting too much to be different in the South African approach for Saturday's first Tri Nations Test at Eden Park.

The Springboks were brilliant at doing their basics very well, as they had been for much of their history, and they would continue that against New Zealand on Saturday, he said.

Smith said that he had a greater appreciation of the rivalry between South Africa and the All Blacks which had developed over the last year.

He said that during his formative years the toughest All Blacks opponents had always been Australia but since South Africa had come back into rugby he, and many of his mates of a similar age, believed that South Africa had regained the traditional mantle.

"It is something pretty special the respect the two countries hold, you certainly sense that going over with the Super 14 the respect they give the All Blacks, it's pretty real and it's pretty humbling at times, especially with the success they had over us last year but that is what creates the edge about wanting to beat each other as well," he said.

The match will see the Hurricanes pairing of Smith and Ma'a Nonu back in action, and Smith was expecting a real handful containing the lively South African backs combination.

"They've added a bit of inventiveness to their game and it has been good for their attack and it will be difficult to defend, but we've had a bit of a look at them and it will be a good challenge for us," he said.

Smith said Nonu was with the side in the week they met Wales in the second Test and at that stage he looked as if he could have played.

"He's looked right at home. Obviously it's a challenge for him being out of the game. I know when you have a lay-off there is a bit of anxiety when you are coming back, a bit of self-doubt creeps in but he's got plenty of experience which will help him in the end," he said.

Smith said there was a little bit of adjusting involved after having worked with Benson Stanley, a player who had fitted in and played very well.

But with the experience he and Nonu had playing together it was good to have him back, he said.

Smith said last year had been difficult, and had taken half the Tri Nations to get their game sorted after the loss to France, scraping by them in the second Test and then struggling to beat Italy.

He felt the three earlier Tests had resulted in more confidence ahead of the Tri Nations.

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