Table-topping Wallabies now target Eden Park record
SPOTLIGHT: Returning Australia prop Allan Alaalatoa said that his team saw Eden Park as “just another footy field” as they aim to end New Zealand’s 31-year unbeaten streak at the Auckland venue.
The All Blacks have not lost at the Eden Park fortress since 1994, rattling off 49 wins and two draws, but face a challenge to that record against Rugby Championship leaders Australia on Saturday.
Seldom have New Zealand seemed more vulnerable, having suffered a record 10-43 loss to South Africa in their last match in Wellington.
Former Wallabies captain Alaalatoa, in line to play for the first time in this year’s championship after recovering from a shoulder injury, has experience of playing in New Zealand both for the Wallabies and during a short provincial stint with North Harbour last year.
“They’ve obviously got a great record at Eden Park but at the same time it’s just another footy field,” Alaalatoa told reporters after arriving in Auckland.
“The All Blacks are a great side, there’s no denying that.
“We’re going to focus on what we can do and what we can control and we’re going to work really hard this week to give ourselves the best chance on the weekend.”
Australia lead the four-nation Rugby Championship by a point from South Africa and New Zealand, with two Bledisloe Cup matches against the All Blacks to play. The return match is in Perth on October 4.
South Africa face a double-header against Argentina, in Durban on Saturday and at Twickenham a week later.
The New Zealand squad was strengthened on Monday by the return of scrum-half Cam Roigard.
Coach Scott Robertson has had to employ five different scrumhalves this season because of injury but now has his leading two, Roigard and Cortez Ratima, both available.
“Cam’s really important to us,” Robertson told reporters.
“It’s good to get him back in the mix. His game management is strong. He can kick. He’s got a hell of a pass. So he’s right up there.”
Robertson added that hooker Codie Taylor had recovered from a concussion, and lock Patrick Tuipulotu was also available after returning from a facial fracture ahead of schedule.
South Africa dominated New Zealand’s scrum and line-out, but Alaalatoa expected a reaction after the All Blacks were humbled in Wellington.
“If anything, we’re just totally focused on ourselves, making sure that as a unit everyone’s doing their own individual role,” Alaalatoa said.
“You definitely have an eye on the All Blacks and know that they want to improve their set piece.
“Our reaction from their last game? It’s focusing on ourselves.”
