Goal-kicker: Each team will have a few players that are good at kicking goals but there will be one main designated goal-kicker. Historically the First Five-Eighth has been the main goal-kicker, but the role can be filled by players from any position. If the team's kicker is having an off-game, teams are allowed to change the player taking the goal-kicks. Sometimes teams may also use a different kicker that is suited more to long-range kicks.
All Blacks & South Africa: The All Blacks and South Africa have played each other 94 times in their storied history, with 56 wins to the All Blacks, 35 to South Africa and three draws. Since 2004 the two teams have contested the Freedom Cup during their Rugby Championship clashes, and prior to that the Tri-Nations. The All Blacks have won the Freedom Cup 11 times, while South Africa have claimed it just twice.
Wayne Smith: Assistant Coach - Defence Wayne Smith is universally recognised as one of the greatest thinkers in world rugby. Known for his innovative approach and for thinking "outside the square" he is nicknamed the Professor. In 2004 it was Smith who oversaw a change in team culture, with more emphasis on responsibility and leadership within the All Blacks group, and was instrumental in the application of the 'better people make better players' mantra that drives the team. Smith has held all of the portfolios within the All Blacks coaching set-up: attack, defence, backs and counter-attack. As a player Wayne Smith was held in high regard and was capped 17 times by the All Blacks, playing in the First Five-Eighth position between 1980 and 1985.
Lima Sopoaga: Although he plays his Super Rugby for the Otago Highlanders, Lima Sopoaga is a proud Wellingtonian having been born and bred there. Sopoaga's parents - Lene & Vaseti - come from the Cook Islands but brought up their 6 children in Wellington, of which Lima is the eldest. Sopoaga's parents and two younger sisters are still based in the capital.
QBE Stadium, North Harbour: This will be the first Test at QBE Stadium since South Africa defeated Samoa 13-5 at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and the first time since the All Blacks have played a Test there since thumping Fiji 91-0 in 2005. South Africa are a big drawcard at QBE Stadium, as there are thousands of South African immigrants living nearby.