Kieran Read and Sam Cane will have extra expectations on their shoulders against the Springboks as the injured All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw sits out this weekend's key Rugby Championship test at Eden Park.
Read's set to wear the captain's armband while Cane will start his fourth test this season for McCaw, who tore a knee ligament in the win over Argentina at Waikato Stadium.
McCaw's copped a grade two medial ligament tear but is still hopeful of playing the Johannesburg test in four weeks.
Meanwhile midfielder Ma'a Nonu will be fit and available for selection on Saturday, as should blindside Liam Meesam and prop Owen Franks.
There are no injury concerns for the South Africans.
