Records, revenge spur rivals in c’ship

AUCKLAND: South Africa will chase history at New Zealand's fortress while Australia are out to avenge a record defeat to Argentina in the Rugby Championship today.

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The All Blacks top the standings after two rounds but only by a bonus point, with all four teams having registered a win and a loss in a topsy-turvy start to the annual southern hemisphere competition.

Coming off a 29-23 loss to the Pumas — their first defeat on Argentina soil — Scott Robertson’s New Zealand would have their aura further eroded if beaten by the Springboks in Auckland, where the hosts last lost in 1994.

Australia couldn’t make it two-from-two in South Africa last month, beaten 30-22 in Cape Town, and must now attempt to erase the memory of last year's embarrassing 67-27 humbling to the Pumas when they host the South Americans in Townsville.

EDEN PARK FORTRESS

The world’s top two nations square off at Eden Park, where New Zealand’s unbeaten streak stands at 50 Tests.

Rugby was still an amateur game when the All Blacks last lost there, to France, and have gone on to construct one of the sport's most extraordinary records.

Adding to the occasion, inspirational All Blacks back-rower Ardie Savea will play his 100th Test.