30 Years On: Remembering Andrew Mehrtens' Record-Breaking Debut

· ALLBLACKS.COM · Photosport
Mehrts
Thirty years ago, a fresh-faced Andrew Mehrtens took the field in the No. 10 jersey for his first Test match—delivering a composed and confident debut that hinted at the career to come.

Facing Canada at Eden Park in a warm-up Test ahead of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Mehrtens wasted no time showcasing the class and composure that would define his career. He scored 28 points in the match - a record at the time for a player making their Test debut - including a brilliant solo try, seven conversions, and two slick try assists.

But it wasn’t just the numbers that stood out. Mehrtens controlled the game with tactical sharpness and calm authority, guiding the All Blacks around the field with the poise of a seasoned veteran. His kicking game was clinical, his distribution precise, and his vision clear.

That breakout performance laid the foundation for what would become a 70-Test career filled with memorable moments. Mehrtens went on to star at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, helping guide the All Blacks all the way to the Final. Over the next decade, he would become one of the most influential first five-eighths in New Zealand rugby history, scoring an incredible 994 points for the All Blacks in all matches. 

Watch the full game from 1995 between the All Blacks and Canada below.

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