Sir Graham Henry is backing the All Blacks to overcome their current adversity against the Springboks in the most anticipated clash since the RWC Final.
New Zealand put their Eden Park record on the line this weekend, which has stood for 31 years, when Scott Robertson’s men take on South Africa in Auckland.
They have remained undefeated at the venue since 1994, but they do not go into this clash in particularly fine shape.
The All Blacks suffered a shock defeat last time out, going down to Argentina 29-23 in Buenos Aires, and they are in the midst of an injury crisis.
Despite the issues Robertson is currently contending with, Henry very much expects the team to be ready and focused for the upcoming Rugby Championship encounter with the Boks.
“When the team is right on the edge, you know they’re ready to play, they’re 10 out of 10 mentally, you don’t have those problems,” the 2011 Rugby World Cup winner told Newstalk ZB.
“I think they were a bit complacent going into the second Test, and when you’re not quite there, you make those silly mistakes and give away silly penalties.
“They’ve been galvanised by the loss in Buenos Aires. Argentina played superbly, and the All Blacks showed great humility afterwards.
“But they’ll be hurting, and a hurting All Blacks side usually responds in the next Test. I’m expecting something special.”
Scrumhalf is one area Robertson will be particularly concerned about with Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham definitely missing the Springboks clash this weekend.
Adding to the problem is that the third half-back who was named in the initial 36-man training squad, Cortez Ratima, is also a significant doubt.
Robertson has confirmed that they will give Ratima every opportunity to get himself fit for the encounter but, if he’s not available, Finlay Christie will start at Eden Park.
Kyle Preston, who has also been named as injury cover, reportedly limped out of training on Tuesday and provides further issues.
Henry is not too worried, however, having watched how Christie performed against Los Pumas when he came on for Ratima.
“Christie was one of the best players against Argentina. He’d been dropped before, wasn’t even in the top three, and now he’s starting again,” he said.
“Last week he produced a strong performance and now he’s got a chance to cement his spot for the next few years. Playing at a ground he knows well, he’ll be eager to seize the opportunity.”
While Henry felt that Christie impressed in the All Blacks’ previous Rugby Championship encounter, the legendary coach is not quite so enthusiastic about the rest of the backline and can see a change being made out wide.
“I think the forwards have been excellent, developing depth and competition. The backs just need to step up,” he added. “I think one of the wingers might be replaced, we’ll have to wait and see.”
