PORT ELIZABETH – The Springboks are in a dire straits, must-win situation as they attempt to avoid a Tri-Nations whitewash against the All Blacks this afternoon.

Under pressure to beat an under-strength All Black side, the knives would really come out  if they lose their fourth straight Test in the competition.

“The week’s preparation has been great, now we just need to get on the field knowing what we have to do,” said Victor Matfield yesterday, standing in as captain for John Smit, who is rested on the bench.

Despite the All Blacks arriving  without eight regulars, Matfield said it was more important for them to gain confidence than worry too much about the All Black plans for the World Cup.

“Every Test is important, no matter if there’s a cup at stake, and once their Haka is finished, we can start to look forward to a fantastic game,” he said.

From a Bok perspective it’s vital how flank Willem Alberts performs after the injury blow to Juan Smith, while  hooker Bismarck du Plessis and flank Heinrich Brussow will be key players to ignite the Bok onslaught.

There was little penetration against the Wallabies last weekend, but hopefully Pat Lambie can provide the spark from fullback, while No 8 Pierre Spies proved what an explosive ball-carrier he can be.

“We need to start winning and to get the necessary momentum so that the nation can unite behind us, we need to move on,” Matfield said.

“The All Blacks are still  the ultimate test for us and they have been for the last nine, 10 or even 20 years, it doesn’t matter how far you go back in history.”

It will also be interesting to see how the teams adapt to the breakdown interpretations of Irish referee George Clancy, who last officiated in a South African Test when the Boks beat England 21-11 at Twickenham.

While Morne Steyn at flyhalf is expected to lead the aerial battle for the Boks, they will have to punt cleverly as the All Blacks have some real game-breakers and could really hurt South Africa on the counter.

None more so than in midfield where Sonny Bill Williams and Richard Kahui, and fullback Israel Dagg could rip open a defence on any day.

And in the words of captain Keven Mealamu, standing in for Richie McCaw, they might be short of a few players, but still have the players to do the job for their country.

“It’s going to be a tough job up front for us, but you don’t expect any less whenever you play the Boks,” Mealamu said.

“I realise the challenge ahead of us but I have a real belief in the team we have brought over here.”

While it’s the first   Test at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the All Blacks have never won in Port Elizabeth, having coming unstuck four times, the last occasion in 1970.