The Springboks will end the longest losing streak in their proud rugby history if they beat the All Blacks in Saturday’s Tri-Nations rugby Test at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.
The last seven tests between rugby’s most successful international teams have been won by New Zealand.
South Africa’s previous victory was a 46-40 win at Johannesburg in 2000, but they haven’t tasted success on New Zealand soil since the 13-3 triumph at Athletic Park in 1998, the only year they have won the Tri-Nations.
It was part of their 17 consecutive winning Tests under coach Nick Mallett.
Since that season there has been little to cheer for South African rugby.
Their 9-29 humbling by the All Blacks in last year’s World Cup quarterfinal at Melbourne meant their losing run eclipsed the six straight losses to Britain more than 100 years ago.
South Africa held a 20-15 win-loss advantage over New Zealand before the apartheid era ended. Since their return to international rugby in 1992 they have won just six of the teams’ 26 meetings.
Last year’s record 52-16 thrashing at Pretoria was a rare example of a one-sided Test between the two nations since 1992. The average score in that period has been 26-18 to New Zealand.
The All Blacks’ overall record against the Boks has extended out to 34 wins from 63 Tests, with 26 losses and three draws. Since going past the Springboks in 1999, New Zealand have held a positive win-loss record against all Test nations.
The All Blacks’ five wins this year gives them a 72,8% winning record against all opponents in their 386-test history while South Africa are second on that world list with a 63,1% record from 306 tests. – Sapa-NZPA