Patrick McKendry

The three tour games have come with casualties but have also provided the All Blacks with ideal preparation for the first Test, writes Patrick McKendry.

An attempt by South Africa's Rassie Erasmus to claim the high ground over the potential pace of play has been neatly sidestepped by coach Rennie.

Analysis: Any inference from Felix Jones' comments that Dave Rennie is coaching methods that put opposing players at risk is a step too far, writes Patrick McKendry.

Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie have all been passed fit to play the world champions in Johannesburg.

The visitors scored 21 unanswered points at Ellis Park to take the series lead after the Boks struggled to maintain their discipline.

It's first blood for the All Blacks and their head coach thanks to a win at Ellis Park that highlighted New Zealand's clinical edge and resilience.

Dave Rennie's men exposed Rassie Erasmus' Springboks in Johannesburg. Now the master manipulator has some big decisions to make, writes Patrick McKendry.

A poor start and consistently poor decision making nearly cost the All Blacks dearly in their final club match of their Greatest Rivalry tour.

The All Blacks had to dig deep to overturn an 18-point deficit against the Lions at Ellis Park but that may not be such a bad thing.

And the referee for the match in Cape Town will not be invited says an upbeat Rassie after the weekend's first Test defeat.