The All Blacks captain, Scott Barrett, has highlighted the significance of the Springboks’ long-anticipated match at Eden Park in 2025, which will see the South African side putting the All Blacks’ formidable record at the stadium to the test. New Zealand recently revealed their home Test schedule for 2025, featuring two fixtures at the iconic Auckland ground. One of these matches will be part of the Rugby Championship, where the All Blacks aim to preserve their unbeaten streak at Eden Park, a record that has stood strong since 1994.
This historic run, extended to 50 games earlier this year with a commanding 42-10 win over Argentina, has sparked discussions about whether New Zealand has been hesitant to face South Africa—historically their fiercest rivals—at the venue due to fears of losing the streak.
The 2025 meeting will mark the first time in 12 years that the All Blacks and Springboks have clashed at Eden Park, with the last encounter at the ground taking place in 2013. Barrett expressed his excitement for the occasion, suggesting that the Springboks have long been eager to compete at the venue.
Barrett noted the strength of the Springboks, who enjoyed an impressive 2024 season capped by winning the Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019. South Africa’s back-to-back home victories over the All Blacks played a pivotal role in their success, but New Zealand will hold home advantage when the two sides meet next year.
The All Blacks concluded their 2024 campaign on a positive note, securing wins against England and Ireland during their northern hemisphere tour despite a disappointing Rugby Championship performance earlier in the year. Reflecting on a challenging season, Barrett acknowledged the team’s development, highlighting the emergence of younger players and the progress made as the season advanced. Despite facing setbacks, the team ended the year with encouraging momentum.
In addition to his international duties, Barrett addressed his role with the Crusaders in Super Rugby. After captaining the side since 2020, he decided to step down from the leadership role for the 2025 season, citing the opportunity to allow another player to take on the responsibility. He expressed confidence in his successor and pledged his full support for their leadership.
As the All Blacks prepare for a monumental 2025, the clash against the Springboks at Eden Park stands out as a defining moment in the rugby calendar, with both teams eager to assert dominance in one of the sport’s most storied rivalries.