The last time the Trans-Tasman rivals locked horns in the afternoon in Dunedin was in 2001 at Carisbrook. The Wallabies beat the All Blacks 23-15, their last win on New Zealand soil. The coach of Australia that day was Eddie Jones who will return 22 years later looking for a similar result.
Forsyth Barr Stadium was opened on 5 August 2011 as New Zealand’s first ‘roofed’ stadium. Situated in the heart of Dunedin, the first rugby international at the venue was the 2011 World Cup pool game between England and Argentina, England won 13-9.
The All Blacks won their first seven Tests at Forsyth Barr Stadium until they were defeated by Ireland last year.
Forsyth Barr Stadium Record
Played: 8
Won: 7
Lost: 1
Points For: 289
Points Against: 166
Most Individual Points: Beauden Barrett 26 v Wales, 2016
Most Individual Tries: Dane Coles 4 v Fiji, 2021
All Results
15/9/12: South Africa, 21-11
19/10/13: Australia, 41-33
14/6/14: England, 28-27
25/6/16: Wales, 46-6
26/08/17: Australia, 35-29
23/6/18: France, 49-14
10/7/21: Fiji, 57-23
9/7/22: Ireland, 12-23
2012: First All Blacks Test
A capacity crowd of 29,600 witnessed the All Blacks defeat South Africa 21-11 in the first All Blacks Test played under a roof in New Zealand.
A tight first-half resulted in an 8-8 stalemate. The turning point was at the hour mark when replacement halfback Aaron Smith scored an outstanding individual try. Spotting a gap just outside the Springboks 22, Smith sped into a hole and swerved around the last defender to score under the sticks.
The All Blacks recorded their 14th consecutive Test win, but the Springboks had their opportunities, particularly in goal-kicking where Morne Steyn, Frans Steyn and Johan Goosen kicked only two of nine attempts.
The first All Blacks try was scored by fullback Israel Dagg who was put into space by No.8 Kieran Read. The visitors single try was scored by Bryan Habana with a brilliant chip, chase, and regather from 40 metres out.
2014: England Thriller
England proved a tough nut to crack in a three-Test series in 2014. Five Aaron Cruden penalties at Eden Park was the difference in a sloppy first Test victory. In the second Test the All Blacks were in an even deeper hole, down 10-0 when Manu Tuilagi busted clear for England. He was dramatically run down by All Blacks fullback and local hero Ben Smith who effected a turnover.
In the second half, Smith scored a try as the All Blacks clinched the series with a thrilling resurgence. Ma’a Nonu and Julian Savea also scored tries. Smith reflected upon his tackle in More Than a Game by Neal Wallace.
“Manu Tuilagi probably thought that he would have me for size and run straight over me, but I managed to grab a leg and pull him to the ground. Luckily it was the back end of the first half, and he might have been running out of juice. In the heat of the moment, you just do it.”
2017: Beauden Barrett Winner v Australia
Down 0-17 after 14 minutes, and conceding nearly two-thirds of possession, it was a minor miracle the All Blacks won this thrilling match 35-29. Having worked so hard to reclaim the lead with tries to Rieko Ioane, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Beauden Barrett, Australia took a 29-28 lead with time almost expired. Lima Sopoaga, a Highlanders first-five, was on the field for the dying moments. He captured the drama in which he was a key player.
“Kurtley Beale scored with a couple of minutes to go to put Australia ahead. Kieran Read got us in a huddle behind the posts and was claim reminding us there was still time. He instructed Beauden Barrett to do a short kick off. Beauden looks at me and says, ‘there you go bro’ and I’m like ‘sweet whatever’.
“I overhit it, but Reado flew like Superman and taped it on our side. We had a couple of phases and then TJ (Perenara) gave it to me. I hit Scott Barrett with a short ball who put Reado in a hole. Reado passed it back to TJ and Beaudy flying up on the inside scored under the posts. There were three reserves in the move which showed how subs can change the game.”
Prior to the creation of Forsyth Barr Stadium, the All Blacks played at Carisbrook in Dunedin.
Carisbrook 1908-2010
Played: 37
Won: 32
Lost: 4
Drawn: 1
First - All Blacks: 32 v Lions: 5, June 6, 1908 (Fred Roberts two tries)
Last - All Blacks: 42 v Wales: 9, June 19, 2010 (Daniel Carter 27 points)
All Blacks vs Australia, Saturday 5 August, 2.25pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. GET TICKETS.