The All Blacks no longer fear the gruelling trip to face the Springboks away from home, according to chief South African rugby writer Rob Houwing.
After the 36-34 loss to the Springboks in Wellington last month, the All Blacks will line up against their old foes in Pretoria tomorrow morning, looking for revenge to finish the Rugby Championship on a high.
Writing for Sport24, Houwing says that the success of Kiwi Super Rugby sides on South African soil has removed any fear factor for the All Blacks playing in the republic.
"The harsh truth is that New Zealand, helped by the regular visits of their various franchises during Super Rugby seasons, no longer fear playing at high altitude," Houwing wrote.
"The modern All Blacks more accurately embrace it, given their up-tempo and so often market-leading brand of rugby.
"It is reflected in their track record from the last four Tests at Loftus: NZ wins each time, and usually by comprehensive margins – they have averaged 41 points "for" in the quartet of matches."
Houwing goes on to write that the All Blacks should come away winners, with the Springboks unable to match the world champions' tempo for the full 80 minutes.
"Any change to their expansive template is unlikely this Saturday: I still fancy that for all the likelihood of the Boks giving them a tough enough time of it broadly speaking at forward, the All Blacks will wish to ultimately run the hosts off their feet."
The All Blacks face the Springboks tomorrow morning in Pretoria.
SHARE ME