All Black fullback Mils Muliaina says the All Blacks still have plenty to play for in the next couple of tests and the side has yet to hit its straps.
Muliaina (29) was in Dunedin yesterday as part of a nationwide tour to promote his new book, Living the Dream.
He said the All Blacks were getting back on track after a rough couple of tests in South Africa, where Muliaina admitted the side did not play well.
"It was my third time to South Africa this year so when I look back at it now I was probably in a bit of a rut. And we didn't play well. We were trying to speed the game up but we should have backed our set piece and played the percentages a bit more," he said.
"We haven't hit our straps yet, although in Sydney we played a whole lot better."
Muliaina said having Dan Carter back into the side was a huge help, not just in his accurate goal-kicking and general play.
"He has a lot of influence on guys around him. Taking nothing away from the likes of Stephen Donald but Dan has just settled back in there so quickly, and is a world-class player. He has just fitted in like a glove."
Muliaina said the Springboks were right on top of their game and were playing with plenty of confidence.
"They have always been really physical but they have taken it up another level. They have a really good kick-and-chase game and a really simple game plan. They have been outstanding and we haven't been able to match them. "It is very difficult but we just have to muscle up and match them."
He was confident the side would be able to step up next Saturday night against the Springboks in Hamilton, even if the Tri-Nations title had already been decided.
"There is a lot to play for. Every time you go out on to the field as an All Black you want to win. There are expectations from outside and within the team."
Tests were incredibly tight, he said, and often there would only be one chance to take during the match.
If it was not taken, the test was lost.
Muliaina said the game had changed greatly since he first started, especially in structure, with much more emphasis on defence.
"I think back to when I first started there were guys in the Auckland team like Carlos Spencer and you really had no idea what he would be doing.
You could be running the ball out from your own goal line.
That aspect of rugby has changed now.
"When you get the ball now at the back there is a whole line of defenders in front of you. And you've got to weigh up whether you want to run the ball back and run the risk of giving away a penalty."
He had enjoyed captaining the All Blacks and felt not enough people gave credit to the experience and ability of the French side when it toured earlier this year.
Muliaina said he wanted to concentrate on fullback and felt there was plenty of cover in the centre position.
`I could always slot in there if they want.
But we have plenty of midfield cover in there and I have to slow down a bit before I go into centre."
Muliaina, who grew up Invercargill, said he always enjoyed Dunedin.
"When you grow up in Invercargill a trip to Dunedin was a trip to the big smoke. I still enjoy coming back down here and will be having a couple of Jimmy's Pies before I head back up north."
