Smal has big job on hands to stop Kiwis

Gert Smal will require all his motivational skills to get his injury-hit pack ready for a manic onslaught from a fired-up New Zealand pack this weekend.

The All Blacks forward unit, which gelled impressively in the first Test in Auckland, will be representing the stricken community of Christchurch for the first time in almost two years — there has been no international rugby in the area since a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the south island city in February of last year, with 185 lives claimed on a dark day.

The home side’s front eight contains proud Canterbury Crusaders such as Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock and Owen Franks and will not be lacking for motivation come kick-off time on Saturday.