Springboks Set Sights on Ending All Blacks’ Eden Park Dominance

Rethabile Nyelele22 July , 2025

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has made it clear: snapping New Zealand’s three-decade unbeaten run at Eden Park is at the top of the Springboks’ agenda for 2025. As the Rugby Championship looms, the national side is firmly focused on conquering what has long been rugby’s most impenetrable fortress.

The All Blacks haven’t tasted defeat at Eden Park since 1994, when France famously pulled off a dramatic 23–20 win, sealed by a try so breathtaking it became known as the “try from the end of the world.” Since then, the Kiwis have racked up 50 straight home victories at the iconic Auckland venue, including last August’s milestone triumph.

Springboks March in With Momentum

The Springboks will enter the clash with confidence, having put together a commanding run of form. With four straight wins in the current season and an impressive 11 victories from 13 matches last year, the defending world champions have found both rhythm and depth. In fact, 47 players have already featured this year, a testament to the squad’s growing versatility and strength in depth.

South Africa will face New Zealand on 6 September in what is their opening fixture of this year’s Rugby Championship and perhaps the most anticipated showdown of the season.

Chasing Greatness, Not Just Records

Speaking about the year’s goals, Kolisi underlined the importance of a win in Auckland, calling it essential if the Springboks are to maintain their global dominance.

“To stay number one, we need to beat the best, and doing it in their backyard would mean a lot,” he said. “Yes, we want to stay at the top and win all our games, but also ensure that more players get opportunities and grow.”

Kolisi, who recently earned his 93rd cap during the team’s emphatic 55–10 win over Georgia in Mbombela, could reach the century milestone by the end of the year. But the captain remains refreshingly selfless about the prospect.

“I’m honestly not focusing on that. Reaching 100 caps would be incredible, but I care more about what the team achieves,” he said.

A Captain Grounded in Growth

The Springbok skipper is more focused on team cohesion and continued personal development than personal accolades.

“I just want to improve every game,” Kolisi said. “We’re going to be judged against the standards we set last week. It’s not about how strong the opposition is; it’s about how well we execute. If I’m cleaning a ruck, it’s not just about getting the ball. It’s about how I clean, and what was the purpose behind that action?”

He emphasised the squad’s commitment to meeting the demands of the coaching staff, pointing out that internal standards will ultimately determine the team’s success.

Breaking the Fortress Could Define the Season

With the Springboks currently holding the number one spot in the world, their upcoming challenge in Auckland is more than just another match; it’s a legacy-defining opportunity. Ending New Zealand’s 31-year reign at Eden Park would not only reaffirm South Africa’s status at the top of world rugby but also inspire belief ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

For Kolisi, the moment is bigger than him: “What matters most is seeing the team reach all our goals. That would mean more than any milestone.”