It wasn't exactly a case of "Dan who", but the All Blacks hierarchy heaped the praise on Stephen Donald after the five-eighth was instrumental in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup win over Australia.

Trying to fill New Zealand's, and perhaps world rugby's, biggest boots by replacing Dan Carter in the No.10 jersey, Donald had been under immense scrutiny all week after passing an 11th-hour fitness test.

The Chiefs playmaker booted the All Blacks to their 22-16 victory with a conversion and five penalty goals, while his general play also grew throughout the game.

NZ coach Graham Henry singled Donald out as he summed up his side's performance.

"I thought he probably had his best game of international rugby at 10 and that was pleasing so he gave us a lot of direction," Henry said.

Assistant Wayne Smith was also glowing in his assessment.

"Stephen's a very mature person in terms of what he's done to improve his game and to be part of this All Black team, and to the extent that he's got to run the game," Smith said.

"He probably had no right to be there this week with the (hamstring) injury he had.

"He showed huge desire to be there under a lot of pressure, there'd been a lot of public comment on him."

The All Blacks were set to board a plane at 4.30am New Zealand time on Sunday to begin their trek to South Africa for a two-Test tour beginning in Bloemfontein next Saturday and continuing the following week in Durban.

They will again be without Carter (Achilles), who could be ready to play club rugby at the end of the month.

"We will look at this as a series and try and do the business," Henry said.

"They've played a lot of big time rugby recently against the (British and Irish) Lions so they'll be raring to go and ready.

" ... I think we should get better while we've got a foundation to build on.

"Some of the players hadn't played for a number of weeks so they should get better as the Tri-Nations goes on."

The All Blacks are injury-free for the trip but Henry hit out at Tri-Nations governing body SANZAR's rule requiring him to cut his 30-man squad by two.

"I don't quite understand that rule. I guess it's got something to do with money but it's disappointing for the guys who won't go," he said.

Loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett and winger Hosea Gear were the two unlucky All Blacks told they were not required shortly before the All Blacks headed to South Africa.

New Zealand squad to play South Africa: Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Tamati Ellison, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Tanerau Latimer, Jason Eaton, Bryn Evans, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Aled de Malmanche.

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