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.

LATEST NEWS

View all
Savea's Stand: 'I'll Run Through Brick Walls for This Team'
Coach and captains reactions from the Crusaders, Moana Pasifika and Blues camps as DHL Super Rugby Pacific complete round 14 games at the weekend were:
Brumbies Lead the Pack, Moana Make History as Finals Race Heats Up
Australia's Brumbies claimed the leadership of DHL Super Rugby Pacific at the weekend, but their main rivals for preliminary honours, the Chiefs and Crusaders still have a game in hand heading into the final two weeks.
Match Report: Black Ferns v Canada
For only the second time, the Black Ferns have drawn a Test match.

Exclusive Access: NZR+ Launches Inside Look at Black Ferns’ 2025 Campaign
Rugby fans are set for an exclusive look inside the world of one of New Zealand’s most iconic teams with the release of Behind the Fern — a brand-new series following the Black Ferns as they prepare to defend their champions title in the UK later this year
Cotter Confident as Blues Chase Momentum in Albany Showdown
It's taken longer than he wanted, but Blues coach Vern Cotter believes his side has recovered its mojo ahead of Saturday's visit to Albany for the DHL Super Rugby Pacific game with Moana Pasifika.
"We’re Better Now": Savea Eyes Redemption Against Reigning Champs
Moana Pasifika captain and All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea wants his team to put their improvement on show when hosting the Blues at Albany for their DHL Super Rugby Pacific game on Saturday.
Black Ferns inviting fans to bring support closer than ever
The Black Ferns are inviting fans from around the country to put pen to paper and send their support directly to the team in a special new initiative.
Black Ferns named for redemption match against Canada
The Black Ferns seek redemption this Saturday in front of a home crowd in their second Pacific Four Series (PAC4) Test match against Canada at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, 3.35pm kick-off.
Crusaders Welcome Back Bell and McNicholl for Sydney Showdown
Timely returns from injuries for hooker George Bell and fullback Johnny McNicholl are expected to minimise the absence of Codie Taylor and Will Jordan in Friday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific game with the Waratahs in Sydney.
Tupou Vaa’i re-signs with NZR and the Chiefs
The Gallagher Chiefs have received a major boost with powerhouse lock Tupou Vaa’i re-signing with the club and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to the end of the 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
Coin Rugby makes a comeback on NZR+
If you grew up in New Zealand in the '80s, '90s or early 2000s, chances are you played coin rugby across a school desk.
Highlanders Ready to ‘Give It a Real Crack’ in the Capital
Back from a bye, the Highlanders face a daunting finish to the regular DHL Super Rugby Pacific season with away games against the Hurricanes (Friday), the Crusaders, and then a home game against the Chiefs.
Toole Time: Brumbies Flyer Tops Fantasy Charts in Round 13
Corey Toole has surged to the top of the Super Rugby Fantasy standings after a scintillating 66-point performance in the Brumbies’ 33–14 win over the Force in Perth.

Coaches Sound the Alarm as Playoff Race Tightens
Three rounds out from the end of the regular DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition, the make-up of the top six is still not clear.
A Legend at 50: Remembering Jonah Lomu
Jonah Lomu would have been 50 on May 12, 2025.
Comeback Kings: New Zealand U20 Edge South Africa in 15-Try Classic
New Zealand has retained the Under 20 Rugby Championship after an exhilarating 48-45 victory over the Junior Springboks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha.
Chiefs Back on Top as Super Rugby Pacific Table Tightens
DHL Super Rugby Pacific continues to give as the race to qualify for the playoffs continued more changes on the competition leaderboard at the weekend.
New Zealand Under 85kg Too Polished for Tuskers in Colombo
New Zealand Under 85kg has swept Sri Lanka in the inaugural Sir Graham Henry Cup series, battling to a 32-6 victory in the second and final match of the tour at a sold-out Colombo Racecourse in Cinnamon Gardens.
Wallaroos Resist, But Black Ferns' Firepower Proves Too Much in Newcastle
The Black Ferns have stretched their record to 28-0 against Australia, starting their Pacific Four campaign with a 38-12 victory over the Wallaroos at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.

New Zealand Men’s Under 20 Team Named to Face South Africa
The New Zealand Men’s Under 20 team has been named for their final clash of the Rugby Championship Under 20 tournament, where they’ll take on hosts South Africa at 4:10 PM SAST on Sunday 11 May (2:10 AM NZT, Monday 12 May).