Boks' top three victories in New Zealand
OPINION: A Springbok win in New Zealand is as rare as they come, but when managing to do so, it’s always an epic contest.
The Springboks are heading to Eden Park to break a 31-year and 50-game winning streak against the All Blacks, something many believe is mission impossible.
South Africa has won merely 10 times in Aotearoa in 46 attempts.
@rugby365com takes a trip down memory lane as we select our top three Springbok victories in the land of the long white cloud.
1937: The Invincibles
In 1937, South Africa toured Australia and New Zealand, which is still regarded as one of the most successful Springbok touring sides in history.
Dubbed as “The Invincibles” for their heroics, the Boks started their tour in Sydney and whitewashed the Wallabies 2-0 before heading over the Tasman to New Zealand.
New Zealand won the first Test in Wellington, but the Boks levelled the series a month later in Christchurch before defeating the All Blacks by 17-6 at Eden Park to win their only series in New Zealand by 2-1.
The result also marked their last victory at the iconic ground!
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1998: The streak continues!
The Springboks headed to Athletic Park in Wellington on an 11-match winning streak and a narrow Tri Nations victory under their belt against Australia the week before.
It was a tightly contested match, but a late try off a set move sealed a memorable 13-3 win for Nick Mallett’s side.
The victory gave the Boks solid momentum, and they finished the tournament unbeaten to claim the Southern Hemisphere title.
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2009: Hat-trick and Tri Nations sealed
The Boks sealed the 2009 Tri Nations with an emphatic victory at Waikato Stadium, which marked their third consecutive win in a calendar year over New Zealand.
Frans Steyn slotted three long-range penalties with Morne Steyn kicking two and a drop goal.
Jean de Villiers made a crucial interception to score the Boks’ second try and open up a handy 29-12 lead over their arch rivals.
New Zealand managed to stage a comeback, but it wasn’t enough as South Africa sealed a dramatic 32-29 win in Hamilton.
Which match was your favourite, and which one would make your list outside of these three epic victories?
*Let us know in the comments….
