CAPE TOWN – While the Springboks have their backs to the wall against the All Blacks this week, there was a time that the South Africans won in New Zealand.
The closest defeat in recent times came four years ago at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, when Lood de Jager was tackled into touch in the final stages inside the New Zealand 22.
Heyneke Meyer’s Boks surrendered 14-10, but it was a tight game throughout.
But on Friday, former star wing Bryan Habana reminded Rassie Erasmus’ charges that the Boks can do the job Down Under.
“#FlashBackFriday to Hamilton, New Zealand in 2009... Creating some history!! Here’s wishing the @Springboks all the best tomorrow at the Cake Tin in Wellington!!! #MakeOpportunities” Habana tweeted, with a picture of the Tri-Nations trophy.
Peter de Villiers’ Boks won 32-29 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton to clinch the title and make it three wins in a row over their arch-rivals.
Fourie du Preez and Jean de Villiers scored tries that day, while Francois Steyn hammered over three penalties, with Morné Steyn slotting two conversions and two penalties, as well as a drop goal.
Following on Habana’s tweet, can Siya Kolisi and his team make history at the Westpac Stadium on Saturday (9.35am kickoff)?
#FlashBackFriday to Hamilton, New Zealand in 2009... Creating some history!! Here’s wishing the @Springboks all the best tomorrow at the Cake Tin in Wellington!!! #MakeOpportunities pic.twitter.com/NM5SxAz2p9
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) September 14, 2018
Bok results in Wellington since 1994
23 July 1994, Athletic Park: NZ 13-9 SA
25 July 1998, Athletic Park: NZ 3-13 SA
20 July 2002, Westpac Stadium: NZ 41-20 SA
22 July 2006, Westpac Stadium: NZ 35-17 SA
5 July 2008, Westpac Stadium: NZ 19-8 SA
17 July 2010, Westpac Stadium: NZ 31-17 SA
30 July 2011, Westpac Stadium: NZ 40-7 SA
13 September 2014, Westpac Stadium: NZ 14-10 SA
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