Spencer fears for All Blacks' unbeaten record at Eden Park as Springboks await

IT'S been 31 years since the All Blacks last suffered defeat at their Eden Park fortress.

- JOHN GOLIATH

The 23-20 loss to France on July 3, 1994, featured one of the most iconic tries in rugby history, known as “the try from the end of the world.”

That try, scored four minutes from the end of the Test, originated deep in France's own half.

Legendary wing and captain Philippe Saint-André started a counterattack, running the ball from 80 metres out.

The ball passed through nine pairs of hands in just 27 seconds before reaching fullback Jean-Luc Sadourny, who dotted down. It’s still regarded as one of the most beautifully conceived tries in the history of the game.

Since that iconic match against the French, the All Blacks have gone 50 matches without defeat at the Auckland venue, with 48 wins and two draws.

Former maverick flyhalf Carlos Spencer played in many of those triumphant Tests for the All Blacks between 1994 and 2005, orchestrating some of the team’s most remarkable attacking displays.

However, Spencer fears that this record could be in jeopardy in 2025, when the world champion Springboks visit Eden Park for the Rugby Championship next month.