Brodie Retallick South Africa expect the unexpected from ‘evolving’ All Blacks

TOKYO: South Africa are bracing themselves for “new tricks” from defending champions New Zealand when the fierce rivals lock horns in their heavyweight Rugby World Cup opener this weekend.

Assistant coach Matt Proudfoot said Tuesday the Springboks expect the All Blacks to come out firing in the Pool B clash in Yokohama after the southern hemisphere titans battled to a 16-16 draw over the summer during the Rugby Championship.

South Africa won that competition for the first time since 2009 to underline their World Cup credentials, but Proudfoot suspects New Zealand are planning a surprise or two this Saturday.

“We’re expecting a new arrow to their quiver,” he said before a training session.

“They’re an intelligent bunch and there will be something new that they bring to the party