No moss on fresh So'oialo

All Blacks v Wallabies

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All Blacks open Tri-Nations with win

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Short turnaround, long trip, sore bodies... it's a testing equation for the All Blacks in Bloemfontein this week as they confront a confident Springboks side that has been lying in wait.

But one player coach Graham Henry won't have to worry about backing up this week is No 8 Rodney So'oialo who says he's ready to tackle the world champions fresh off their British & Irish Lions series triumph.

So'oialo's successful return to test rugby, alongside fellow stalwart loose forward Richie McCaw, was one of the features of the All Blacks' 22-16 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park on Saturday night.

And before he jumped on the plane in the early hours of Sunday morning to make the long hop to the republic, the veteran Wellington No 8 who won his 56th test cap in Auckland confirmed he was feeling on top of the world after an invigorating break through the early part of the international programme.

Asked how his body was after his first major hitout since the Super 14 semifinals, So'oialo let loose a broad grin and confirmed he was ready to go Bok-hunting.

"It's bloody good now. It's awesome," he said after going 61 minutes before making way for Kieran Read. "I was keen [to play 80] but team first. The coaches made a call, which I thought was a good one, to bring in the guys capable of finishing it off."

But So'oialo said the break he had been afforded, to get a neck injury among other afflictions right, had left him in a perfect state heading for a testing two weeks in the republic where the All Blacks will target at least one victory.

"That break has been terrific for me, not only physically but mentally," he said. "I'm ready to put the body on the line again."

So'oialo said the South Africans looked a formidable outfit coming off their 2-1 series win over the Lions, with coach Peter de Villiers able to rest a number of his leading players for the "dead" third rubber.

"They're probably the best team so far by the way they've been performing. They played outstandingly against the Lions.

"Yeah, it is going to be a step up, especially [with them] at home, with the crowd support they'll have. It's going to be a huge game for us."

But this week could be when the likes of So'oialo and McCaw really come into their own after they understandably took a while to get into stride at Eden Park. There's a strong feeling in the All Black camp that their most experienced forwards will be at their best this week when it's most likely going to be needed.

So'oialo, all things considered, was happy with his return to test action. "Just a little bit faster than club rugby I would say. I really enjoyed it, and to get the win certainly capped it off."

Plus, he liked some of the signs exhibited out there in an 11th straight win over the Wallabies at Eden Park. A clinical sort of finish was pleasing, as was their superior use of the elements, but top of the list was the poise shown to work their way back from 0-10 down inside 10 minutes.

"That's an area that the All Blacks have really grown in, being 10 down and still being able look within ourselves and to back what you have and the people that are there to do the job.

"We achieved a lot. The boys were willing to work for each other, and to back each other up that's something you can't coach."

Meanwhile, So'oialo's Wellington and Hurricanes team-mate Cory Jane was rapt to come through his first Tri-Nations encounter after being a contentious selection on the right wing ahead of Joe Rokocoko.

Jane handled a testing night fairly well, though he didn't get too many chances to unleash his attacking skills. Backs coach Wayne Smith thought he came through probably his biggest test as well as could be expected.

"We suspected it was going be an aerial game, and obviously we entered into that," said Smith. "I thought the back three defused the high ball well and we were much better at our chasing kicking game....Cory was able to put a lot of pressure on in the air, and I thought he was worth his selection."

Jane said he was just pleased to come out of an "intense physical battle" with the right result.

"They started well and put pressure on us, but we knew if we stuck to our game-plan we'd have a shot. To have guys like Richie and Rodney who put their bodies on the line... they led the way and everyone just backed it up."

With the South Africans likely to employ a strong kicking game on the High Veldt, Jane should find himself backing up again this weekend. Given that conditions are likely to be a lot more user-friendly for the outside backs, it will be an opportunity he'll be primed for.

- © Fairfax NZ News