Fourie du Preez Ready to Counter New All Blacks Tactics

New Zealand’s impressive defeat of Australia in the last round of the Tri-Nations unearthed a new aspect of their game plan. Their tactical kicking was phenomenal from Dan Carter and Jimmy Cowan in particular.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has recalled scrum-half Fourie du Preez to help fight fire with fire. His kicking out of hand is also sublime, so the chances are we will see a lot of kicking.

It would be no surprise, given that the stakes are so high. No team is unbeaten and whilst the All Blacks lead in the Tri-Nations table, they have played one extra game, so the world champions could go top of the table in real terms with a victory.

If the kicking battle is a key contest, so is the set-piece. With no Bakkies Botha, New Zealand might fancy their chances of stealing a few, especially given their effective display a fortnight ago.

In the scrum, veteran prop Greg Somerville will be licking his lips as he squares up to the new South African "Beast" Tendai Mtawarira. With no John Smit in the Bok front row, this could be another area where the visitors dominate.

I’ve predicted an away win on SuperBru. The All Blacks have returned to form, whereas the Springboks may be rusty after a few weeks away from competitive action, but it’s not an easy one to call.

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