'We’ll pick our best team available': All Blacks confirm they want to dominate Boks

All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan has no qualms about sending out the best players against the Springboks this week as the team prepares in London for the Twickenham Test.

As the rugby world processes the fallout from warm-up matches that has seen key injuries and red cards to star players, Ryan has reiterated the sentiment shared by Ian Foster that a full strength All Black team will take the field.

The Springboks can expect ‘the best team available’ from the men in black which means the sellout crowd will be treated to a spectacle.

The All Blacks are searching for their fifth win this year from five Tests, the 12th game in this undefeated streak and a third straight win over South Africa.

“We’ll pick our best team available… we’re looking forward to a good physical contest against the Springboks,” Ryan said.

“It’s exactly what we need heading into our first World Cup game.”

There does not seem to be any concerns from the All Black coaches over potential injuries despite Brodie Retallick and Shannon Frizell already sidelined for this fixture.

France have lost key playmaker and No 10 Romain Ntamack to an ACL injury before a ball has been kicked at the Rugby World Cup, while England are yet to know the fate of Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola after red cards.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

18

23

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

The All Blacks assistant coach said that they team wants to maintain a mental edge ahead of the World Cup campaign and keep a ‘dominant’ mindset.

“You’re always going to get injuries and your squad is always going to get tested,” Ryan said.

“You’ve just got to have a dominant mindset.

“If you’re hesitant in anything you do, that’s when you get injuries. That’s how we’re going to prepare.”

“We’ve shown plenty of our game, as other teams have.

“You’ve still got to get those momentum shifts and those big pressure moments which are quite important in Test matches, especially at this time of year heading into that World Cup which is right here now.”

The former Crusaders assistant was cut and dry on the latest controversy surrounding England’s high tackles, saying the rules are ‘obvious’ and must be adhered to.

“There have been a lot of cards, clearly, but the rules are pretty obvious aren’t they? You’ve just got to stay away from the head,” he said.