Springboks aiming to break 88-year hoodoo at sell-out Eden Park
The Springboks aim to break their 88-year losing streak at Eden Park against New Zealand in a sold-out Rugby Championship match on September 6, despite their recent setback against Australia. Picture: AFP
Image: AFP
Despite their blip against Australia in their opening game of the Rugby Championship, it’s fair to say the Springboks are the dominant force in the game, having won the last two Rugby World Cup titles in a row.
However, it’s been nearly 100 years since the Springboks beat New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland as the team prepare to face-off at the famed venue on September 6. Tickets for the match have already sold out in the 50,000-capacity stadium.
In fact, it’s been 88 years since South Africa triumphed at the Kiwi fortress.
This is something that is not lost on the Springboks, according to assistant coach Tony Brown.
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“The Eden Park record is on the line, and it’s an amazing opportunity for us to go out there and take on the challenge,” said Brown.
“We have to make sure we prepare well, be excited about the challenge, put our best foot forward on the day, and play as hard as we can when we get onto the field.”
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Still, the odds will be stacked against the Springboks, but there are few greater occasions than playing New Zealand on their home turf, explained the Kiwi Brown.
“I think it's probably the biggest game since the Rugby World Cup Final, so the players are excited.
“The All Blacks are going to be desperate to win, and so will the Springboks, which should make for an amazing game.”
The Springboks are the defending champions in the Rugby Championship, but their defeat to Australia puts them on the back foot, even though New Zealand also fell to an unexpected loss to Argentina last week.
“Every Test is important in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, and it’s always going to come down to one or two games, so hopefully we can win the key ones and make a push in New Zealand, and return to South Africa with some points on the board.