Springboks tests regaining special aura - Smith

Centre Conrad Smith believes Tests between the Springboks and All Blacks have started to recapture their special aura of old.

For decades, South Africa were traditionally New Zealand's biggest foes, but in the post-apartheid era the rivalry slipped a little as the All Blacks gained the upper hand.

Since 1992, when Springboks-All Blacks tests resumed after an 11-year gap, New Zealand have won 27 and lost 13, with one match drawn.

Smith, 28, said the Wallabies had become the team to beat when he was a youngster.

"For me, growing up, Australia were always the big challenge when I dreamed of playing for the All Blacks," he said.

"But now, I think along with a lot of other people from my era, I'm realising the special nature of playing the Springboks. I think it's great."

Smith sensed a strengthening of the rivalry last year, when South Africa took the Investec Tri Nations title that New Zealand had held for four years, beating the All Blacks three times in the process.

He said the competitiveness was boosted by the mutual respect between the two countries.

"You certainly sense that going over for the Super 14 and that, the respect they give the All Blacks," he said.

"It's pretty real and pretty humbling at times, especially with the success they had over us last year. I think that's one ingredient why it's so good. We respect each other and it carries a real edge about wanting to beat each other as well."

The Springboks begin their defence of the Tri Nations in Auckland on Saturday night, with Smith believing the All Blacks had had a better build-up than last season.

Then, they shared a test series against France, losing the Dave Gallaher Cup on points difference, and disappointed in downing Italy.

"The team didn't play well at all," Smith recalled.
"We lost to the French, scratched by them and then struggled to beat the Italians. It took us half that Tri-Nations to get our own game sorted."

This time, wins over Ireland and Wales (twice) have helped to build confidence heading into the tournament.

Smith will have a familiar face beside him at Eden Park on Saturday night, with Super 14 teammate Ma'a Nonu recalled after getting over a knee injury suffered in the Hurricanes' final match of the season.

Smith has 35 caps to second five-eighth Nonu's 46, and the pair will be partnered together in a test for the 19th time.

It will put them alone in second spot for most tests by an All Blacks midfield, behind the 28 that Frank Bunce and Walter Little played together in the 1990s.

Nonu's recall is at the expense of first-year All Black Benson Stanley, who wore the No 12 jersey for all three tests last month.

Smith said Nonu had settled well into camp although there was some understandable nervousness.

"When you have an injury layoff, there's a bit of anxiety when you're coming back, a bit of self doubt creeps in," he said.

"He's got plenty of experience which will help him in the end."