New Zealand V South Africa: Key Battles That'll Shape Rugby Championship Clash

The two frontrunners for this year's Rugby Championship title clash in Wellington on Saturday, with New Zealand or South Africa set to take a substantial advantage in the race for 2014 glory.

When these two sides met in Auckland 12 months ago, the All Blacks walked away as 29-15 victors and maintained their unbeaten streak in the competition en route to last year's crown.

With just three points separating the two teams as things stand, both southern hemisphere giants will view Saturday's fixture as a must-win clash, five of the biggest positional battles discussed in more depth ahead.

1. Aaron Smith vs. Ruan Pienaar

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Two of the unassuming heroes for their respective sides, Aaron Smith and Ruan Pienaar's meeting makes for a mouthwatering collision between two scrum-halves of differing styles.

Each sitting on one try apiece in this year's tournament thus far, it could be that these two figures dictate play not just in releasing those backs lying outside them, but in a more direct sense, too.

Pienaar being a less conventional half-back in terms of stature, Smith's run-heavy brand of trickery could prove elusive for the South Africans, and Pienaar needs to provide a staunch first line of defence in this case.

On paper, Smith's speed would seek to lend him an advantage, and even if Pienaar does manage to showcase physicality against his counterpart in the early stages, the All Blacks No. 9 is a relentless force likely to keep on coming back for more.

2. Brodie Retallick vs. Victor Matfield

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Victor Matfield has shown that even at the age of 37, one aspect of his play that can't be diminished comes in his worth at the line-out, his totem being of much use to Adriaan Strauss and Bismarck du Plessis.

However, it's inevitable that given his advanced years, conditioning isn't what it once was and making his way around the pitch for 80 minutes at this level is a nigh-impossible demand of the veteran.

Brodie Retallick, on the other hand, is very much one of world rugby's in-form locks, enjoying some fine performances of late, all the while showing a keen pair of legs in the loose, opposite to that of his Saturday counterpart.

Eben Etzebeth will have to make up for a lot of the running Matfield can't accomplish, but missing that titanic frame with such mobile second-row competition on the other side of the pitch puts Heyneke Meyer's men at a seeming disadvantage.

3. Aaron Cruden vs. Handre Pollard

Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans (above) has taken to referring to compatriot Aaron Cruden as New Zealand's "No. 1 choice" in that position, a stern realisation that perhaps Dan Carter's days are officially drawing to a close.

There's no arguing against Cruden's credentials as a more-than-satisfactory replacement when Carter has been unavailable, and even with Carter on board, one could certainly argue the Chiefs man as the superior option.

Meyer has chosen to drop Morne Steyn for Saturday's collision and once again place his faith in Handre Pollard, the Blue Bulls starlet nowhere near the same steadfast figurehead as his opposite number.

Starting in Weeks 1 and 2, Pollard had to be rescued somewhat by Steyn's introductions, the youngster having failed to settle against Argentina in both matches.

The All Blacks will be hitting Pollard hard when he's in possession, and at the same time aim to give Cruden as much time as he needs in the pocket to go about his orchestration.

A battle of flair, one of these playmakers promises to give a far more assured presence than the other, and Cruden stands to win the game for his side if he can develop a strong enough grip on Pollard.

4. Richie McCaw vs. Marcell Coetzee

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With six penalties given away in his three Rugby Championship outings thus far, Richie McCaw's discipline is again a topic at hand, and South Africa's substantial back-row presence may not see that tally stop rising just yet.

Whether right or wrong in their actions, referees have found cause to pull the Crusaders flanker up for his actions, and in Marcell Coetzee, the Springboks have an openside capable of luring him into yet more trouble.

Coetzee and Francois Louw will each hope to deliver first contact at a lot of breakdowns, either retaining or regaining possession for the visitors, and it's there that McCaw often thrives in disappointing his victims.

An unstoppable work rate being something that bothy McCaw and Coetzee hold in common, one can expect this head-to-head to go the distance, each terrier figure looking to claim a breakdown advantage that's sure to result in penalty opportunities going both ways.

5. Ben Smith vs. Bryan Habana

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Israel Dagg retains his place at fullback to ensure Ben Smith will start on the wing once again for the visit of South Africa, and the Highlanders superstar has a key individual battle on his hands.

Bryan Habana's 100th Test last weekend didn't go entirely to plan as he found himself unfairly sin binned late in the fixture, giving him a renewed determination to make up for that costly mistake this time out.

Smith's utilities as a No. 15 make him positionally a very stern wing to get past, characteristically, and Habana will be relying on Pollard and Willie le Roux to find him space in behind New Zealand's lines, as opposed to a head-on collision.

The All Blacks tend to benefit out wide from their forwards giving input with some surprisingly smooth hands, the likes of Kieran Read able to draw in extra defenders and open holes for the more punishing Smith to attack.

On Saturday, that extra chain of support will be vital in seeing which one of Habana or Smith can outperform their counterpart, with it being difficult to draw a winner based solely on their considerable talents alone.