The Springboks welcome the All Blacks to the Absa Stadium this Saturday with the hope of producing an upset and keeping their slim hopes of Tri Nations glory alive.

No doubt Rudolf Straeuli's men are up against it after their opening two defeats in this year's series but they will be keen to show that they are not just here to make up the numbers as was suggested in many quarters prior to the start of the competiton.

John Mitchell's All Blacks' side know they are within reach of their first Tri Nations title since 1998 and know that they must fare better in Durban than Australia do next weekend in Johannesburg if they are to achieve that goal.

A running game is predicted for the Absa Stadium with the weather set to provide ideal conditions for an expansive game.

"There is pressure with every test match," said Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli. "But we know that although we have shown progress we need to start winning."

Coach John Mitchell added to the occasion declaring, "For a New Zealand rugby man I don't think there's a greater challenge than playing against the Springboks in South Africa. It's a game that has everything but you always know the contest between the Springboks and the All Blacks is going to come down to the forward battle it's something that both countries look forward to."

"There is no doubt that if the weather holds we will play a more expansive brand of rugby," added New Zealand assistant coach Robbie Deans. "Having said that, we will be going for the win first and hopefully in the process we can score the four tries and get that bonus point. "The Springboks all have genuine pace and they play with an attacking outlook - we are wary of their capabilities," he added.

Western Province scrumhalf Neil de Kock was the surprise inclusion in Springbok coach Rudolph Straeuli's starting XV announced on Thursday, while the three other changes - Dean Hall in for Stefan Terblanche, AJ Venter in for Victor Matfield and Wille Meyer in for Faan Rautenbach - were expected.

Fullback Leon MacDonald returns from injury for the All Blacks for his first appearance since New Zealand over-ran Ireland in June. Otago hooker Tom Willis retains his place in the front five with Mark Hammett and Andrew Hore bracketed on the bench.

Hammett will take his place in the 22-man squad if his bruised knee is deemed sufficiently healed, with a decision on that to be made at Friday's captain's training run.

The All Blacks have won 15 of the 22 meetings between the sides since South Africa returned from isolation in 1992 - reversing the Springboks' historical dominance of the fixture.

New Zealand have now won 30 of the 59 meetings between the countries compared to South Africa's 26 victories with three draws.

The All Blacks have a record 41-20 victory over the Springboks in Wellington already this year and although they will be favourites to edge a win expect a big game from the Boks in front of their own crowd.