The Numbers Behind the Boks’ Bold Bid to End Eden Park Streak.

Nicholas Halsey
10 hours ago
3 min read

The Springboks have named their squad to face the All Blacks this weekend at Eden Park, a venue that has been more fortress than stadium for New Zealand rugby. Jesse Kriel will wear the captain’s armband, leading a side dripping with experience, power, and more than a little unfinished business in Auckland.

The backline is stacked with familiar firepower. Willie le Roux runs out for his 101st Test, steadying the ship at fullback, while Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie add the speed and sparkle on the wings. Moodie had a tough outing against Australia a fortnight ago, but this time he has the steadying influence of Le Roux covering his inside shoulder, a combination that should help the youngster unleash his attacking instincts without carrying it all on his own.

Kriel as captain, partners Damian de Allende in midfield, the duo stretching their record as the most capped Springbok centre pairing to 39 outings together. Whilst at flyhalf, Handré Pollard brings his ice-cold boot and calm head, paired with the lightning-fast Grant Williams at scrumhalf, a combination that could prove crucial if the Boks are to finally end the Eden Park curse, a fact head coach Rassie knows all too well.

“Every point will count in this match, so we need to be sharp mentally and physically, and ensure that we leave nothing out on the field.”

Up front, the pack looks solid albeit missing a few familiar faces. Eben Etzebeth adds to his record tally of caps a towering136, alongside the rising Ruan Nortje. Nortje's big engine will help him get through a tough 80 minutes whilst allowing the 5/3 bench to take maximum effect. Siya Kolisi, who was touch-and-go for this week, does take his place at No. 8 for his 95th Test. With doubts over his availability early in the week, Kriel was confirmed as captain to allow the team to settle quickly, though it’s worth remembering Kolisi remains the Bok skipper for the season.

Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden complete a bruising loose trio, while Malcolm Marx retains the number two jersey, with Bongi having remained behind in South Africa. Flanked by Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit in a front row built to hurt, whilst also being mobile enough to get through the all too necessary work at the breakdown.

Tune in as Nick and Dane discuss the huge test at Eden park

The bench is a blend of proven class and raw excitement. Lood de Jager brings heavyweight experience, Kwagga Smith the chaos factor, and young Ethan Hooker gets another taste of Test rugby as he looks to add to his single test cap. Add the versatility of Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and there’s no shortage of impact waiting to be unleashed. Sacha's inclusion also ensures that in the closing stages, there is a potentially big boot on the field to land the long-range penalties if needed.

The Boks are chasing history on multiple fronts. They’ve strung together four straight wins over the All Blacks, their longest streak since 1949, and will be desperate to make it five. But Eden Park has a way of humbling even the most hardened challengers.

South Africa haven’t won there since 1937, while New Zealand haven’t lost at the ground in over three decades. This weekend offers the chance to break both streaks in one fell swoop, ending a 50 game win run on the grounds for the kiwis.

It’s the kind of clash that makes us as fans and Punt-its clear our calendars and ensure that DSTV is paid up. The Freedom Cup is already in the trophy cabinet, but the bragging rights of beating the All Blacks at Eden Park would mean so much more. With 939 Test caps in the starting line-up, the Boks are as seasoned as they come. 434 in the backline, 505 up front. If ever there was a squad capable of tearing down Eden Park’s walls, it’s this one.

Right here rugby has a fixture worthy of its history.