Springbok coach Harry Viljoen on Wednesday admitted to being surprised by the inclusion of Tony Brown ahead of Andrew Mehrtens in the All Black side for Saturday's Tri-Nation scrap. But he still rates the All Blacks as a great side.

"It's pretty much what we've expected, except for Tony Brown at flyhalf. They are showing a lot of confidence in him as playmaker," Viljoen commented at a media conference in Cape Town.

"Jeff Wilson at fullback gives them another dimension there. Doug Howlett is probably the quickest wing in world rugby. They have a great centre combination. It's pretty much what we've expected. As I said, I thought they were going to start with Mehrtens, but it still is a great side.

"They have a good blend of youth and experience. (Captain) Anton Oliver has been a tower of strength there."

The Springboks will be prepared for the eventuality of Mehrtens instead of Brown starting. Viljoen expects it to be wet on Saturday and said they've considered the possibility of squaring up to the prolific tactical boot of Mehrtens from the start.

"Maybe, we won't be surprised. If it's very wet on Saturday it could happen," he responded to a question. "Our starting line-up won't change, I've tried that before and it didn't work," he quipped.

Viljoen didn't want to subscribe to the popular notion that the All Blacks are vulnerable in the scrums and lineouts. "Well, we will see on Saturday. They've done well, they had one or two scrums against France where they've struggled but we'll see on Saturday."

He has a lot of respect for the All Blacks. "They had a terrific build-up and they have individually the best backs in the world. The pack of forwards is very skillful.

"They are a well-balanced side. With ball in hand they are dangerous and have the ability to offload in the tackle. They are going to be well prepared and the build-up was ideal for them," enthused Viljoen about the opposition in his first Tri-Nations game in charge.