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QUICK TAP: ALL BLACKS vs AUSTRALIA – A RIVALRY IN NUMBERS

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Since their 20-23 loss to France in 1994, the All Blacks have seen off 41 opponents, with only two draws, against South Africa (18-18) in 1994 to start the run, and the British & Irish Lions (15-15) in 2017.

Putting that into some sort of context, the next highest unbeaten run is 22 by England at Twickenham between 1999-2003.

Australia at Ballymore, Brisbane (1990-2000) and France at the Parc des Princes, Paris (1982-89) had 17 without defeat. Next highest was 16 by the All Blacks at Westpac Stadium in Wellington (2004-2017) and 14 by the All Blacks at Carisbrook in Dunedin (1977-1990).

While Australia have had special difficulty getting over the line at Eden Park, their last win being the Bledisloe Cup-winning 22-9 victory in 1986 their connection hasn’t been all bad. They can claim consecutive victories at the ground in 1949 (16-9) and 1955 (8-3) while they achieved a 30-16 win in 1978 on the back of No.8 Greg Cornelson’s four tries.

It hasn’t all been glory at the ground. In 1937 the 6-17 loss to a South African side, who outscored the All Blacks five tries to nil, is still regarded as the worst Test loss in New Zealand’s history.

Not far behind it was the 1973 loss to England (10-16), who lost their three provincial games before the Test, in a four-game visit arranged in the wake of that year’s cancelled Springbok tour.

France also produced an outstanding display of rugby when winning 24–19 in 1979. French players still marvel at the way their rugby was enthusiastically received by Eden Park’s rugby faithful. Fullback Serge Blanco subsequently named his clothing chain after the ground.