‘I have heard’: All Blacks accused of dodgy act to preserve incredible Eden Park record

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Former England player Andy Goode has accused New Zealand of purposely avoiding plating the Springboks at Eden Park to preserve their amazing 30-year unbeaten run at the Auckland venue.

The All Blacks have not played South Africa at Eden Park since 2013, but will host them there during this year’s Rugby Championship on September 6. The All Blacks have not lost at Eden Park since 1994.

“I have heard that New Zealand don’t like or don’t want to play South Africa at Eden Park,” Goode said.

“Have a look over history when the last time the Springboks played there was.

“I think the All Blacks choose who they play, where they play, when they play. It’s the first time, I’m telling you now, it’s the first time in a long time that the Springboks have got the invite to play at Eden Park.”

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Since the All Blacks beat the Springboks 29-15 at Eden Park in 2013, the sides have met six times on New Zealand soil, with the Kiwis winning four and losing one with one draw.

They played at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland in 2023 when Eden Park was unavailable due to the Women’s Football World Cup.

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“They [South Africa] could do it, they could end it. It’s got to end at some point, doesn’t it?” Goode said of the record being on the line this year.

Having beaten the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, the Springboks won both Rugby Championship Tests against them in South Africa last year.

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Nine of the last 10 Tests between the sides were played in South Africa (four) or at neutral venues (five).

Meanwhile former Wales star Dan Biggar dismissed Goode’s version and backed the All Blacks to win the match up.

“They could beat it, but I actually think the All Blacks have played really well against the Springboks in the Rugby Championship and have always done all right against them,” Biggar said.

The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2025/01/09/i-have-heard-all-blacks-accused-of-dodgy-act-to-preserve-incredible-eden-park-record/‘I have heard’: All Blacks accused of dodgy act to preserve incredible Eden Park record