/ 10 July 2008

Welcome to the House of Pain

Saturday's Tri-Nations Test between New Zealand and South Africa marks 100 years of Test rugby at Carisbrook, aptly named the House of Pain.

Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test between New Zealand and South Africa marks 100 years of Test rugby at Carisbrook, aptly named the House of Pain and especially applicable to the Springboks, who have not yet won at the venue in seven attempts.

This small ground by South African standards — it will hold only 29 000 spectators on Saturday after additional temporary seating for the Test — is in the inhospitable South Island, and true to form rain is forecast for Saturday, with temperatures between four and thirteen degrees Celsius.

The good news for the Boks, whose flyhalf, Butch James, struggled in the wet and windy Wellington, is that the wind is expected to be a gentle 22km/h breeze.

The very first Test between the world’s two great rugby nations was in fact played in Dunedin in 1921 — and won 13-5 by the All Blacks.

The All Blacks’ love for this venue is further emphasised by the fact that in 35 Tests at the ground, they have lost just three times — and only once in the last 19 Tests since 1971.

Carisbrook is 130 years old and the New Zealand Rugby Union decreed three years ago that the outdated facilities were not up to standard in this student city. They have been upgraded and controversial plans are afoot to move the headquarters of Otago rugby to near the city centre.

The last Test played at the House of Pain was three years ago when the All Blacks faced the Springboks and won 19-11. — Sapa