The analysis heading into the Wellington rematch was straightforward: the All Blacks needed to win the opening twenty minutes physically or risk the game being framed for them.
Analysis: Early power game the key for All Blacks in Boks rematch
The analysis heading into the Wellington rematch was straightforward: the All Blacks needed to win the opening twenty minutes physically or risk the game being framed for them.
South Africa's method rewards patience. If they are allowed to settle into a scrum and maul contest early, the penalty count follows, then territory, then the scoreboard. The counter is to attack the collision first and force them to defend before they are warm.
That put weight on the tight five and on the first five's control of exits, with the aerial contest expected to decide where the early phases were played.
The risk in the plan was obvious. A power game that misfires against the world champions leaves a side chasing the match with the same tired forwards it hoped to win it with.
Greyhound Racing New Zealand chief executive Edward Rennell says the sport is facing a sobering final week, as New Zealand prepares to end commercial greyhound racing from Saturday.
Karin Burger and the Silver Ferns have passed their first major Commonwealth Games test in Glasgow, beating Jamaica 53-48 and ending a difficult run against the Sunshine Girls.
All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga says Ireland will arrive at Eden Park without fear next Saturday, putting New Zealand's long unbeaten run at the ground under a sharper spotlight.