Record Eden Park streak creates tension for All Blacks / Photo: © AFP
Record Eden Park streak creates tension for All Blacks
New Zealand admit defending their proud record at Eden Park comes with a pressure that mounts every year as they prepare to host in-form Australia at their Auckland fortress.
Still shaken by a 3-1 series loss to South Africa, the battered and bruised All Blacks will bid to rebound in Saturday's opening Bledisloe Cup Test against a Wallabies side unbeaten in their last six matches.
A defeat would be New Zealand's first against any team since 1994 at Eden Park -- the ground which midfielder Quinn Tupaea this week called their "spiritual home".
Australia have lost their last 24 trans-Tasman Tests there, a run that coincides with a failure to capture the Bledisloe Cup since they last held the silverware in 2003.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said their 53-match unbeaten streak against all-comers -- a world record for a venue -- creates its own tension, which his team have made a point of addressing.
"We talk about it, and I think you've got to acknowledge, no one wants to be part of the first team for a long time to lose at Eden Park or to lose the Bledisloe," Rennie told reporters.
"I think if we don't discuss it, some guys will be still mulling over that on game day.
"So we've discussed it, and then we use that as fuel."
Rennie is facing scrutiny after squandering a first-up win over the Springboks in Johannesburg before going down in "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series, well beaten 43-28 in the fourth match in Baltimore a month ago.
He said the world champions delivered some lessons in ruthlessness on a tour which took a "physical and emotional toll" on his players.
"It's fine margins, but in the end, we've got to be better," Rennie said.
"You can grizzle about referee interpretations and things but we had our opportunities, and you've got to take them, and that's why South Africa are world champions.
"We've got to be better than we were in the last three weeks in South Africa, and we need to see that on the weekend."
The All Blacks welcome back former captain Scott Barrett for his first Test appearance in nearly a year while brother Beauden Barrett is at fullback for his 146th Test.
However, they are without inspirational skipper Ardie Savea and a number of other key injured players.
- Wallabies wary -
Australia head coach Les Kiss has made an impression since succeeding Joe Schmidt in July, racking up four wins and a draw.
A 42-38 upset of the Springboks in Perth two weeks ago showcased a measured Wallabies game plan, built on a solid set piece, careful game management from scrum-half Ryan Lonergan and successful contesting of high kicks.
Kiss said his players were under no illusion how difficult it will be to end the Eden Park streak.
"It's formidable. It's going to happen eventually, but it doesn't just happen, you've got to work hard for it," Kiss said.
"I think this is a team that can step forward and see how close we can take it.
"The All Blacks, I have huge respect for and I know our team do. The Bledisloe means a lot so it is significant."
Kiss has named an experienced side, with the recall of rookie midfielder Isaac Henry the only change to the starting XV who beat South Africa.
The coach said composure will be an important asset.
"Eden Park is a bloody cool stadium to play at but it's got its own sense of atmosphere that really can envelope you and suffocate you if you're not ready."
V.al-Omran--BT
