It's high ball time

13 September 2013 - 05:04 By CRAIG RAY in Auckland
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The Springboks stretch before a training session at Western Springs Stadium in Auckland. The team plans to dominate by kicking for field position and putting pressure on their opponents through their defence
The Springboks stretch before a training session at Western Springs Stadium in Auckland. The team plans to dominate by kicking for field position and putting pressure on their opponents through their defence
Image: JASON OXENHAM/GETTY IMAGES

Mutual respect continued to dominate the build-up to tomorrow's Rugby Championship encounter between the All Blacks and Springboks at Eden Park, but there is now a nip in the air.

New Zealand fullback Israel Dagg, the man who broke Springbok hearts with a match-winning try in Soweto in 2010, acknowledged the rise in the Boks' form that has carried them to the top of the log - but he still sees the All Blacks as the more likely side to win.

"I love playing at Eden Park," Dagg said.

"It's good to play South Africa here and it gives us a little edge.

"This match definitely has the feeling that it is going to come down to one or two key moments in the game.

"I know they're going to try and put us under pressure with the boot, but I love those high balls and I feel excited. I'm hoping they kick them a little longer this weekend.

"Willie le Roux is a quality player and puts in little kicks over the top, but we'll put some pressure on him and see if he likes those high balls coming down on him as well.

"The Boks test your skills everywhere and are physically strong.

"I love it. This Test is huge - both teams are on edge and they're excited. We can't wait to get out there and smash each other."

Dagg also suggested that he was combining well in the All Black back three alongside wings Ben Smith and Julian Savea.

"We're happy back there. I wouldn't mind scoring a try for a change. Julian [Savea] got one at the weekend and Ben [Smith] has scored seven this season."

Hooker Dane Coles, who was the surprise call-up to the starting lineup, is under no illusions about the enormity of the task he and the rest of New Zealand's pack face.

"This will be my biggest game to date," Coles said.

"They'll come at me, they're very physical and we have to meet that battle. They love a bit of banter. They'll give me some comments but I'm ready for it.

"Both sides will play clean but really hard."

Coles, who only has eight Test caps and a mere two starts, expects that the Boks will attack his line-out throwing and pressure him on the All Black feed at the scrum.

"They've got some big locks and will put some pressure on our line-out but we've got good game leaders in our line-out and if I put the ball on the spot we should be fine," Coles said.

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