Having had to sit out of last weekend's Test win over Argentina, All Blacks winger Rieko Ioane is refreshed and ready for the challenge of taking on the Springboks on Saturday night.
Rested against the Pumas, Ioane will once again take hold of the number 11 jersey, hopeful of adding to his tally of 22 tries from 24 Tests.
Having not played since the end of the Blues' season last month, Ioane is coming into Saturday's match with a point to prove after a poor end to the Super Rugby season.
Coach Steve Hansen acknowledged Ioane's showing with the Blues, but did back the winger to show his best in the black jersey.
"Rieko's form at Super level sort of fell away a little bit," Hansen told media.
"He started with a hiss and a roar and fell away a wee bit, so he's pretty excited about getting back on the track.
"He's got high expectations, as we do of him, of doing his job well and playing well."
Ioane himself opened up about his absence from the All Blacks' environment.
"It's been a wee while without playing in the All Blacks jersey," he said.
"[I'm] definitely looking forward to the challenge of playing against a tough South African side. [There's] a bit of nerves, but lots of excitement.
"I had a chance last week to sharpen the tools, help out where I can with the new back three.
"I've got to walk the talk now. [I] helped them last week, and they did an awesome job, so hopefully it's my turn to have a crack."
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