All Blacks coach Graham Henry still rates South Africa the benchmark team in world rugby after Saturday's internationals as he prepares to further tweak his starting lineup to face Wales next week.

The All Blacks travelled to Dunedin on Sunday largely injury-free and set to welcome back Mils Muliaina and Richard Kahui for next Saturday's Test at Carisbrook after a 66-28 walloping of Ireland in New Plymouth.

While the All Blacks cut loose to score nine tries, and run-on debutants Israel Dagg, Benson Stanley and Ben Franks all got a big thumbs-up from Henry, the Test was over in the 15th minute when Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip was sent off by English referee Wayne Barnes for kneeing New Zealand captain Richie McCaw at a ruck.

It was a successful night for the Tri-Nations combatants at home, with the Springboks beating France 42-17 and the Wallabies holding off a spirited England 27-17.

Henry was impressed by the Springboks' performance against the Six Nations champions.

"I thought they played with a huge physicality and a lot of confidence. The French struggled to compete in the physical contest. Obviously they're not used to these laws so that made them a bit apprehensive," Henry said on Sunday.

"They (Springboks) beat us three times last year. Their two Super 14 sides were in the final and they played particularly well. I think that's a fair comment (that they are the benchmark side)."

The All Blacks have two Tests against Wales in Dunedin and Hamilton before the squad are re-selected for the Tri-Nations opener against the Springboks in Auckland on July 10.

The All Blacks name their team to face Wales on Tuesday, while the Warren Gatland-coached tourists will prepare in Wellington before flying to Dunedin on Thursday.

Heaslip was suspended until July 17 by International Rugby Board (IRB) judicial officer Michael Cashman, of Australia, for the incident

It means the No 8 will miss Ireland's remaining two matches on their tour, against New Zealand Maori in Rotorua on Friday and the Wallabies in Brisbane on June 26.

Heaslip admitted breaching law 10.4 (a) and twice striking his opponent with his knee, but denied striking another All Blacks player's head.

In a written judgment, Cashman determined the first strike was to another player's head and found the offending to be in the mid-range of seriousness.

A surprised Henry, who said McCaw was uninjured during the incident, had never seen any previous foul play from Heaslip.

"That was just a brain explosion by a very good footballer. That's a pity and he's going to suffer for it, and the Irish suffered for it and he will suffer the consequences in the future," Henry said.

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