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Home games key to Tri-Nations title

July 30 2009

Ahead of Saturday's second Test against the All Blacks in Durban, Springboks vice-captain Victor Matfield said a perfect home record was a prerequisite for winning the Tri-Nations.

"I think it's about if we want to win this Tri-Nations we need to win all our home games," Matfield told reporters at Thursday's press conference.

"If you don't win all your home games, it's very tough to win this competition. We've got two more games to play at home so this one's very important for us to keep that momentum."

Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir expects the All Blacks to come back harder in Durban on Saturday after South Africa defeated the tourists 28-19 in Bloemfontein last weekend to go top of the log.

New Zealand have said that they see the matches against South Africa as a series within the Tri-Nations and Muir believes they will be itching for another crack at the Boks.

"I think they've certainly worked it as a series and this is the game that they've targeted to win, so we know there will be a much higher level of competitiveness in this game," said Muir.

"We've got huge respect for the All Blacks and we know it's not going to be easy this week so we'll have to be on top of our game."

Muir believes Morne Steyn will have no trouble filling the boots of injured fly-half Ruan Pienaar.

Steyn, who helped the Bulls to Super 14 glory this year, comes off the bench to start in Pienaar's place in Durban.

"He's (Steyn) certainly shown his worth, particularly in the Super 14," said Muir, the team's backline coach.

"He had an outstanding Super 14 and he's one of those players who controls the game really well. He's also very balanced - he's got a good kicking game and a good running game.

"As I've said before, he can vary it quite considerably and he's really accurate at his goal kicking as well, which is a bonus for us."