Liam Messam last played for New Zealand against France © Getty Images

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Matches: New Zealand 29 - 15 South Africa

Liam Messam will not lack motivation when he puts on the All Blacks jersey again on Saturday, having been recalled to the side to play South Africa at Eden Park in Auckland after missing the opening three rounds of The Rugby Championship with a hamstring injury.

In his absence, Test rookie Steven Luatua excelled on the blindside flank in New Zealand's twin victories over the Wallabies and then against Argentina. Messam was impressed by Luatua's "outstanding" performances, but said he didn't feel they had put added pressure on him.

"When you put on the black jersey, that motivates you enough," he said. "Everyone needs to perform in that black jersey, not just No.6, but 1 to 23 need to perform to their best if we want to get that win on Saturday."

Messam said that his lack of game time would be "tough on the lungs" in the game against the Springboks, the result which will decide the world No.1 ranking. But he also thinks his enforced break has benefitted him after a tough Super Rugby season in which the Chiefs successfully defended their title.

"I was pretty knackered after the Super campaign," he said. "The body was a bit tired, so I've had five weeks to get some strength into my lower back and my legs as well. I guess, in a way, it's been a blessing in disguise."

Liam Messam needed a break after Super Rugby so his injury may have been "a blessing in disguise" © Getty Images

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Messam, winning his 23th Test cap, will be part of a loose trio that comprises Chiefs team-mate Sam Cane, replacing Richie McCaw, and No.8 Kieran Read, who claims the captaincy in his injured skipper's absence. The trio are prepared for a tough battle against the Springboks combination of Willem Alberts, Francois Louw and Duane Vermeulen.

"They're big boys but they're quick as well," Messam said of the South Africa back-row. "It needs to start from the front. If the front five can set that platform, then it's a lot easier for us to do our job and influence the game."

Follow live text commentary of the Test between New Zealand and South Africa on Saturday, September 14, from 5pm (AEST), 7pm (NZT), 9am (SAST), 7am (GMT)