Springbok fans have more reason to believe, with former All Blacks playmaker Carlos Spencer tipping the world champions to end New Zealand’s epic Eden Park streak.
The All Blacks haven’t lost a Test at Eden Park since 1994 – but that unbeaten streak could come crashing down when the Springboks roll into Auckland next month.
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That’s according to Spencer, the 44-Test New Zealand flyhalf who says he’s got South Africa to win the Rugby Championship, and could well end New Zealand’s 30-year dominance at their spiritual home.
“I’ve got the Springboks as favourites. They’re number one in the world for a reason. They’re the team to beat,” Spencer told SportsBoom.
The Boks have won six of the last eight encounters with the All Blacks – including four straight – and head into the southern hemisphere showpiece with a settled squad, explosive depth, and the belief of back-to-back World Cup titles behind them.
In contrast, the All Blacks were unconvincing in a recent home series against a weakened French team, and face a brutal start to the tournament with back-to-back Tests in Argentina before they return to Eden Park – with a growing injury list and pressure mounting on new coach Scott Robertson.
“It wasn’t the strongest French side, and we struggled at times in the series,” said Spencer.
“But the All Blacks and Springboks rivalry is always electric. Eden Park will be buzzing.”
Spencer also sounded the alarm on the Wallabies, who pushed the British & Irish Lions all the way in their recent series. With Joe Schmidt at the helm and the likes of Will Skelton hitting form, Spencer believes Australia could pose serious problems in the Bledisloe Cup and beyond.
“The Wallabies looked sharp, especially in the last two Tests. Their prep coming into the Rugby Championship has been solid,” Spencer said.
“They’ll be dangerous.”
The Springboks open their Rugby Championship title defence against Australia in Johannesburg on 16 August, before locking horns again in Cape Town the following week.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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