Matfield seeks to turn tide at Eden Park

South Africa lock Victor Matfield wants the Springboks to create a slice of history by lowering New Zealand's colours at Eden Park in the Tri Nations opener in Auckland.

The visitors have not won at the ground since 1937, and victory today would be a huge boost ahead of the defence of their world crown in New Zealand next year.

Both semi-finals and the final of next year's World Cup competition will be held at Eden Park, and Matfield, the Bulls second-row, believes his side can end their horrendous record in the North Island city. "The history is there to be changed," Matfield said. "Eden Park is home for the All Blacks; they are at their best there. It will be tough, but we don't expect anything less.

"We've got a lot of belief in ourselves and what we are doing. We trust each other. We've been building for longer than last year and the things we do in the Super 14 always come through in the Tri Nations."

Graham Henry's All Blacks will be determined to bounce back from their unprecedented 3-0 whitewash by the Springboks during last year's Tri Nations, in which Matfield played a key role at set pieces.