Need any hype for the Tri-Nations starting this weekend: All Blacks vs Springboks

There Louw was, answering questions about the future of Newlands as a venue for rugby and why Cape Town Stadium should not host Springbok v All Blacks Test matches in the future. And the reporter asking the question did not even know the Jan Pickard stand at Newlands was named after Louw’s grandfather!

On Wednesday when De Villiers finally fronted up to the media, he was teased and tempted to let go with one of his controversial statements, but this time the coach stood firm.

He was funny, serious and at times introspective in his approach and did not give the Kiwis anything to nail him on. He even explained the ’big mouth’ quote, saying that like himself, Henry is always honest in what he says. That often results in people not liking them, but according to De Villiers, he does not care what people think about him. The only opinion he cares about is his own.

“And I like myself, thanks,” he said with a smile.

Source: http://www.sport24.co.za/Columnists/JJHarmse

Although Eden Park will look like a construction site on Saturday in preparation of next year's Rugby World Cup in NZ, and therefore only allowing half the amount of spectators to fill the stadium, this is what it should look like by next year:

Preview: http://www.sarugby.com/news/News/article/sid=13873.html

The Test marks a special milestone for the hosts as it will be 90 years to the day since the All Blacks first played a match at Eden Park. Two All Blacks will also reach significant individual milestones this weekend with hooker Keven Mealamu playing his 75th Test, making him the sixth most capped All Black in history, and flyhalf Dan Carter playing his 70th Test, equaling Andrew Mehrtens' Test match record.

Key Battle: Dan Carter v Morne Steyn. Both match-winning pivots are in scintillating form and will look to dictate matters on Saturday. In order to thrive, however, they’ll need good front foot ball so one can expect an almighty battle up front.

Referee: Alan Lewis

Prediction: The All Blacks have been instilled as marginal favourites to win at home but this Springbok outfit have enough experience, skill and class to snatch a narrow victory. Springboks by 2.

	10 Jul 10 09:35 Eden Park Auckland, New Zealand
Tony Woodcock 1 Gurthro Steenkamp Keven Mealamu 2 John Smit Owen Franks 3 Jannie Du Plessis Brad Thorn 4 Bakkies Botha Tom Donnelly 5 Victor Matfield Jerome Kaino 6 Schalk Burger Richie McCaw 7 Francois Louw Kieran Read 8 Pierre Spies Jimmy Cowan 9 Ricky Januarie Daniel Carter 10 Morne Steyn Josevata Rokocoko 11 Bryan Habana Ma'a Nonu 12 Wynand Olivier Conrad Smith 13 Jaque Fourie Cory Jane 14 Jean de Villiers Mils Muliaina 15 Zane Kirchner Corey Flynn 16 Chilliboy Ralepelle Ben Franks 17 BJ Botha Sam Whitelock 18 Andries Bekker Liam Messam 19 Danie Rossouw Piri Weepu 20 Ruan Pienaar Aaron Cruden 21 Butch James Richard Kahui 22 Gio Aplon       Captain - Richie McCaw Franks at tighthead Rokocoko named on the wing Nonu and Smith back in midfield     Captain - John Smit Fit again Botha and Matfield renew second row partnership Olivier replaces De Jongh at inside centre Kirchner preferred at No 15 Rossouw included on the bench