It’s been 31 years since the All Blacks last suffered defeat at their Eden Park fortress.
The 23-20 loss to France on July 3, 1994, featured one of the most iconic tries in rugby history, known as “the try from the end of the world.”
That try, scored four minutes from the end of the Test, originated deep in France’s own half. Legendary wing and captain Philippe Saint-André started a counterattack, running the ball from 80 metres out.
The ball passed through nine pairs of hands in just 27 seconds before reaching fullback Jean-Luc Sadourny, who dotted down. It’s still regarded as one of the most beautifully conceived tries in the history of the game.
Since that iconic match against the French, the All Blacks have gone 50 matches without defeat at the Auckland venue, with 48 wins and two draws.
Former maverick flyhalf Carlos Spencer played in many of those triumphant Tests for the All Blacks between 1994 and 2005, orchestrating some of the team’s most remarkable attacking displays.
However, Spencer fears that this record could be in jeopardy in 2025, when the world champion Springboks visit Eden Park for the Rugby Championship next month.
The Springboks, who have beaten the All Blacks in their last four meetings, haven’t played at Eden Park since 2013 and will be eager to make more history under Rassie Erasmus.
The teams will meet at Eden Park on September 6, with the second match of that mini-tour to be played in Wellington a week later.
While Eden Park isn’t a hostile or intimidating venue, Spencer says the history that the All Blacks have built there is always in the back of visiting teams’ minds. But he believes the all-conquering Boks could put that record to the test.
“I don’t think it’s intimidating — it’s just the history of Eden Park, the All Blacks not losing a Test match there (since 1994). Teams think about that a lot,” Spencer said during a Generation Schools charity event in Cape Town.
“When you look at where South Africa is at the moment … if there’s a team that can break that history, it’s the Springboks. And it could happen this year.
“Fingers crossed it doesn’t happen!” the former Auckland Blues playmaker added.
The Springboks came from behind to beat the All Blacks twice last year at home, extending their winning streak over New Zealand to four matches, including their victory in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks started their season with a 3-0 series win over a spirited French side, despite France missing many of their key players.
Spencer says the series win over France will give the All Blacks a massive boost ahead of the Rugby Championship. It also offered valuable insights into the new combinations head coach Scott Robertson is experimenting with.
“It was a good confidence booster for the All Blacks. They had a few ups and downs last year, but you would have expected them to go 3-0 up considering the side the French brought along,” said Spencer.
“Credit to the French, people probably didn’t expect them to be that competitive. But for the All Blacks, it was crucial to build combinations.
“The hard work is still to come with the Rugby Championship around the corner. They understand the challenges ahead, but I’m just looking forward to that first Test match against the Boks.”
For Spencer, there’s nothing like a Springboks vs All Blacks Test match in New Zealand, and he’s expecting a thriller.
“It’s huge for the country. We know the Springboks are world champions, and they’re number one in the world for a reason,” said Spencer.
“I think over the past few years, the Springboks have evolved their game — playing a bit more rugby, an exciting brand of rugby — which I love to see.”
