All Blacks preparing for a physical battle this week

Knowing the intensity of the Springboks forward play, the All Blacks are preparing for an onslaught in their opening Rugby Championship Test at Ellis Park this Sunday.

All Blacks Assistant coach Jason Ryan is confident the New Zealanders will compete with South Africa's pack.

He says they are confident they have a game plan that will suit them as the All Blacks were growing in their maul defence.

Their initial goal in the expected good conditions will be to get into the game early and play quality rugby.

The scrum and maul are important against such a big pack, and they have to be smart about how they use the ball.

The All Blacks will face the Springboks at 3am in South Africa, while Argentina will host the Wallabies at 10am.

Both games will be held this Sunday.

[Source: allblacks.com]