New Zealand coach Steve Hansen believes that his All Blacks are favourites heading into Saturday’s Rugby Championship match against South Africa at Loftus (5.05pm).
Or at least according to the world champions’ fans back home.
Hansen explains: “It’s a Test match that everyone in New Zealand expects us to win. The fact that it’s an All Blacks-Springboks Test match makes it even more exciting and it’s one that we’re really looking forward to.
“South Africa are playing with a lot of confidence and after their two recent wins, their confidence levels will be even higher. So we’ll need to respond with real purpose, composure, belief and intensity. While our preparation this week has had to be slightly modified because of our travel, it has still been through, which should put us in good stead for Saturday.”
Hansen welcomes back influential captain Kieran Read for the clash and after he missed last week’s 35-17 win over Argentina.
There are three other changes from last Saturday’s starting side with first choice Aaron Smith returning at scrumhalf, veteran Owen Franks back in the front row and Jack Goodhue getting the nod over Ryan Crotty at centre.
Crotty, scrumhalf TJ Perenara and prop Ofa Tuungafasi drop to the bench.
Australia and Argentina, meanwhile, cross swords at 12.40am on Sunday.