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Currently New Zealand have recorded 22 consecutive wins playing at home, so they’ll have history on their side when they play the South Africa in Auckland on Saturday.
But will they make it win number 23 on the trot? I’m going answer my own question with a resounding yes.
Here are four reasons why:
1. While many major rugby teams claim to have fortresses, Eden Park is probably the hardest of all to storm. It hasn’t been breached for 19 years, when Saint-Andre’s team did the trick by three points.
2. The Haka. An ex-Springbok once told me that when you line up to face the haka in New Zealand, you can’t help thinking, “My God, I’m playing the All Blacks on their patch. Your confidence is rocked and it’s a lot harder to focus.”
3. New Zealand have strike runners all over the place. Like Aaron Smith who scored two tries last week, Dan Carter who made the break and a long run that led to a try, Nonu who has surprising acceleration for a big guy, Conrad Smith who knows how to play Test 13, and a great back three in Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Julian Savea.
Savea, at 6 feet 4, 109 Kgs, can steam down the sideline like early Caucaunibuca. The Boks have some dangerous runners too, but not at 9 or 10.
4. I believe the All Blacks will have a technically better scrum while the Boks get the nod in the lineouts.
I also believe the New Zealand back row will win the breakdown. Vermeulen, Alberts and Louw can bite rivets in half but Messam, Cane and Read are faster around the field.
I cordially invite Springbok fans, as well as gloomy All Black fans, to rip these reasons to pieces.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.