The All Blacks will be keen to set the record straight after their recent defeat to Argentina, while the back-to-back world champions are determined to keep their title defence alive.

For the All Blacks, their 50-Test unbeaten run at Eden Park is also on the line, and the Boks will be desperate to break it. South Africa has a poor record in Auckland, with just two wins in the city—the last being a 17-6 victory way back in 1937. In the 88 years since, the closest the Boks came to a win was the 18-18 draw in 1994.

Canan Moodie. Photo: Anton Geyser

Experience is expected to be key when the Springboks announce their team on Thursday. For young and versatile winger Canan Moodie, there’s a chance he could face the All Blacks on their home turf for the first time, a prospect he’s excited about.

“I’ve played against the All Blacks twice before, at Twickenham and in Cape Town, but the magnitude of this match at Eden Park is huge; it’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Moodie. “I remember waking up early as a kid in South Africa to watch Springboks vs All Blacks Tests, so to get the chance to play this weekend possibly is massive.”

Moodie added there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Test in Auckland, and it’s set to be just as significant for the Kiwis.

“It’s intimidating playing in Auckland, especially at Eden Park, and given the enormity of this match, it’s something else,” he said. “Both teams have a lot to play for. 

“It’s an important game for the All Blacks, particularly with it being Ardie Savea’s 100th Test, but we also know exactly what we need to do going into it. This is a vital match for us as well, and we’ll go out there and give everything we’ve got to win.”

The kick-off at Eden Park is scheduled for 09:05 on Saturday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh