While the build-up to last week’s Test in Auckland centred on ending a four-match losing streak to South Africa and protecting Eden Park’s unbeaten record, coach Scott Robertson said the All Blacks still face major demands in the Capital — including the chance to reclaim the Freedom Cup.
"The South Africans have beaten us twice the last two times we've played here, so that's another record you've got to be mindful of.
"Our preparation and focus have been on getting back to the Capital and keeping our form.
"We've got to improve. We know that with these double headers, you've got to improve week to week. We've learned that recently."
He wasn't surprised at changes in the South African side.
"He's [coach Rassie Erasmus] picked that team to win it, he's picked those players for their strengths, so we're aware of those strengths, and then you go back to your own and what is going to be required for us to win this Test match."
There will need to be more of the physicality that impressed him in Auckland, and continuing to execute the opportunities they create."
Robertson said introducing Leroy Carter for his debut on the wing was part of building depth in the side and utilising the point of difference he brings.
"He can cover midfield, wing and halfback. He's been around, is mature and has had some hard knocks. He has trained well and complements fullback Damian McKenzie and right wing Will Jordan in the back three.
"He's great at the kick chase, extremely quick, and his work rate is as good as they come. He'll give us good balance.
"We still think there'll be an aerial game, but we have got a lot of speed, and finishers, which South Africa have as well. It's good balance for us."
Coming through the Sevens system is not unusual, and Robertson pointed to several players who had walked that avenue.
"There's not a massive amount of kicking in Sevens, there's a lot of passing and running and great defence, so he's filled that skill set that's required over this Super season."
Carter said it had always been his dream to play for the All Blacks, and his route to achieving that through Sevens rugby helped.
"I probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that programme."
Chiefs team-mate, hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, said having seen him throughout the Super season working hard at his game, he is excited to see him perform on Saturday.
Carter said he was surprised to be told he was the fastest player in New Zealand after GPS timing was assessed at training.
"You have to be pretty quick if you want to be a wing, otherwise you're probably going to get skinned a couple of times, so I will try to use it to my advantage."
Sevens rugby helped his professionalism.
"I was playing NPC and then going back to work. I was playing for the Steamers for three months of the year and then going back and being a sparkie. The Sevens environment gave me a professional contract where I could just focus on rugby and all the little things like nutrition and planning. That's helped me a lot."
Sevens also exposed him to some high-grade games, and the Paris Olympics had been an impressive occasion; he will draw on that when running onto SKY Stadium on Saturday.
"But, it's playing for the All Blacks. The nation's on your shoulders, so it's going to be a new experience altogether. I'm looking forward to it though."
Marking Cheslin Kolbe would pit two former Sevens players against each other.
"He's a great player, one of the great wings at the moment, so that's another challenge."
Taukei'aho said he is excited to be back, starting in Wellington.
"It's exciting. We're excited to be out there and play footy. My body's in a good spot, I'm confident in my Achilles and am rearing to go."
He had a taste when substituting for Codie Taylor in Auckland at the weekend and felt the strength of the Springboks' set-pieces.
"We've done our homework and our review; we'll be better. It's a big challenge for us as it always is with any Test match."
They have worked on their scrum, especially after the tighthead conceded in the lead-up to rival hooker Malcolm Marx's try in Auckland.
"We'll be ready for it, and if that moment arrives again we'll be taking it with both hands."
LIVE on Sky Sport - Saturday 13 September: All Blacks vs South Africa, 7.05PM NZT. The match is also available in selected territories on NZR+, learn more HERE.
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All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant):
1. Ethan de Groot (35) 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (36) 3. Tyrel Lomax (46) 4. Scott Barrett (84) (Captain) 5. Tupou Vaa’i (43) 6. Simon Parker (2) 7. Ardie Savea (100) (Vice-Captain) 8. Wallace Sititi (12) 9. Noah Hotham (2) 10. Beauden Barrett (139) 11. Leroy Carter * 12. Jordie Barrett (74) (Vice-Captain) 13. Billy Proctor (7) 14. Will Jordan (47) 15. Damian McKenzie (67)
IMPACT: 16. Brodie McAlister (1) 17. Tamaiti Williams (20) 18. Fletcher Newell (28) 19. Fabian Holland (6) 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (5) 21. Finlay Christie (26) 22. Quinn Tupaea (18) 23. Ruben Love (2)
South Africa:
1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Lood de Jager, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese, 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Damian Willemse, 13 Canan Moodie, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 15 Aphelele Fassi
IMPACT: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen