New Zealand captain Scott Barrett expecting kicking battle in Cape Town

New Zealand captain Scott Barrett is expecting kicking battle when they lock horns with South Africa in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Boks head coach Rassie Erasmus has made a number of changes to the starting line up including bringing Handre Pollard to the starting line up over Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

With the anticipation of heavier conditions at Cape Town Stadium, tactical kicking could play a significant role on Saturday, and Barrett and his team have made preparations accordingly.

“No two Test matches are the same,” said Barrett.

“The South Africans would’ve adapted their strategy for Saturday, so we got to be ready for that.

“They [Pollard and Le Roux] offer a great kicking game.

“It might be a kicking battle, so our back three are ready for that.”

After suffering a 27-31 defeat to South Africa in the previous game in Johannesburg, New Zealand now head into the Saturday's game with a must-win situation if they are to remain alive in the ongoing competition and Barrett is wary of the task ahead.

“After last week there is plenty of hurt and we want to turn that result around, that is for sure,” he added.