Eden Park doesn't scare Wallabies

Returning Australian prop Allan Alaalatoa (above) said yesterday that his team saw Eden Park as “just another footy field” as they aim to end New Zealand’s 31-year unbeaten streak at the Auckland venue.

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The All Blacks have not lost at the Eden Park fortress since 1994, rattling off 49 wins and two draws, but face a challenge to that record against Rugby Championship leaders Australia on Saturday. Seldom have New Zealand seemed more vulnerable, having suffered a record 43-10 defeat to South Africa in their last match in Wellington.

Former Wallaby captain Alaalatoa, in line to play for the first time in this year’s championship after recovering from a shoulder injury, has experience of playing in New Zealand both for the Wallabies and during a short provincial stint with North Harbour last year.