There is home advantage and then there is Eden Park, the venue for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and France.

Since the ground staged its first Test match in 1921, New Zealand have played 70 internationals at the Auckland ground, winning 58, drawing two and losing just 10.

And since an 18-18 draw with South Africa in 1994, the All Blacks have won 26 straight matches there, a run coinciding with the advent of rugby union’s professional era.

The All Blacks are overwhelming favourites to beat France this weekend in what is a repeat of the inaugural 1987 World Cup final, also held at Eden Park, which saw New Zealand triumph 29-9.

But two of the greatest victories in French rugby history have also taken place at the ground.

In 1979, France marked Bastille Day, July 14, with a 24-19 win over the All Blacks for their first victory on New Zealand soil.

And in 1994 they became the last away side to triumph at Eden Park, winning 23-20.

The All Blacks will play France on Sunday at 9pm in the RWC final and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM with Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.

At 7.30pm this evening, the Wallabies play Wales in the bronze playoff.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi