Sport The ultimate pressure test

Conversations with All Blacks players and coaches are often peppered with references about pressure.

Captain Kieran Read spoke about it before his side’s World Cup opener against the Springboks in Yokohama, and coach Steve Hansen reminded the world that it was the teams who can hold their nerve that will have the best chance of survival at a global tournament.

When Hansen and his fellow selectors sifted through candidates for the event first World Cup in Japan they wanted men who thrived when the pressure was almost unbearable.

It’s guaranteed there will be plenty of tension when the All Blacks and Boks meet tonight.

The All Blacks may not be ranked by World Rugby as the best team – that honour belongs to Ireland – but few are taking much notice of that; it’s the men in black all countries worry about most.

A victory over the South Africans at International Stadium Yokohama will ensure the other teams continue to fret. A psychological edge always helps.

It doesn’t matter who they play, the All Blacks know their opponents will treasure a win over them for the rest of their lives. Remember Peter-Steph du Toit’s reaction when the Springboks beat the All Blacks in Wellington last year? The giant flanker shed tears of joy, overwhelmed by emotion.

‘‘With that [success] comes higher expectations and with higher expectations comes more pressure, and if you don’t deal with that pressure it will overwhelm you,’’ Hansen said.

‘‘That’s the big thing, who is going to cope with that the best?’’

Being constantly hunted by the chasing pack ensures the All Blacks are fighting for survival - and often they have.

As Hansen noted it’s vital players learn to accept bad decisions, and not allow their concentration to waver.

He doesn’t lack leaders to urge their team-mates remain calm if the Springboks squeeze them for long periods.

Read, the long-time No 8, and lock Sam Whitelock have played more than 100 tests each, banking invaluable experiences in all corners of the world.

Truth be known, it’s the defeats they probably remember most.

So when French referee Jerome Garces finally gets this match started, the All Blacks should be well equipped to deal to breathe deep and not panic as the Springboks pile into them.

It’s guaranteed they will. While there will be subtle changes to their