International rugby is the pinnacle of the game, and while it is highly competitive, several teams have managed extended periods of success, racking up impressive unbeaten runs.
Planet Rugby recaps the longest unbeaten and winning streaks
in men’s Test rugby history.
Surprisingly, the Mediterranean Sea’s smallest island nation has the greatest streak of victories in men’s international rugby history.
The record set by the rugby underdog nation is unknown to even some of the most ardent followers.
Their winning streak began in November 2008 when they defeated Azerbaijan, and it lasted for the next 24 straight Test matches when they were defeated 39-20 by Latvia in November six years later.
New Zealand won 23 tests between May 1987 and November 1990.
In 1987, the All Blacks easily defeated Italy 70-6 to begin the first-ever Rugby World Cup.
They were on track to win the inaugural world championship
thanks to the result, which also launched a remarkable run of performances that saw them remain unbeaten for more than three years. In August 1990, Australia eventually snapped their 23-game winning streak after the two teams drew 19 times in their last meeting.
New Zealand has won 22 tests. June 2013 through October 2014
The men in black are regularly mentioned in both lists, and from J
une 2013 to October 2014, they were undefeated in Test matches. The Springboks’ 22-game winning run began with a victory over France, but they ultimately defeated Steve Hansen’s team, winning 27-25 at Ellis Park on a last-second penalty kick by Patrick Lambie.
Who can forget the crucial kick-off against New Zealand in 2014?
(Sept. 2011–Dec. 2012) New Zealand played in 20 Tests.
The 2011 New Zealand team captained by Graham Henry began their World Cup with a dominating victory, this time defeating Tonga 41-10, much like the 1987 All Blacks did.
Later that year, they would win the William Webb Ellis Cup, and Hansen, who took over as manager, would keep the team unblemished.
Even though the All Blacks and Australia drew 18-18 all during Hansen’s first season in command, he only experienced defeat in December when they lost 38-21 against England.
The 2015 All Blacks defeated Australia 41–13 to win the Bledisloe Cup for a record-tying 13th consecutive time. When they won the World Cup three months after that triumph, they handed Richie McCaw and Dan Carter the appropriate send-off, capping off their winning streak of 18 Test matches.
However, after 18 victories in a row, New Zealand was eventually upset, and in historic manner when Ireland defeated the All Blacks for the first time ever, 40-29, in Chicago.
England played 18 Tests. October 2015 through March 2017
When the team was at its lowest point ever, England began a streak of 18 games without a loss. The Red Rose easily trounced Uruguay 60-3 in their final pool round match, ensuring their elimination from the group stages of their home World Cup.
In his first competition, Eddie Jones took over for Stuart Lancaster and guided England to a Six Nations Grand Slam. Jones’ team would not lose a game during his first season in charge, but Ireland once more snapped the winning streak with a 13-9 victory.
New Zealand won 17 tests between July 1961 and August 1964.
The All Blacks frequently appear on this list, as was already mentioned. In the 1960s, they had a 17-game winning streak.
Before the Wallabies delivered them a 20-5 defeat in 1964, they were held to draws against Scotland and Australia during this time.
17 Tests, New Zealand (Sept. 1965–May 1970)
The All Blacks’ subsequent lengthy winning streak began with a run that began and ended with games against South Africa.
This time, New Zealand would go almost four years without losing, but the Springboks would snap that winning streak in 1970 with a 17-6 victory.
After losing the 1997 British and Irish Lions series, South Africa went on a run of 17 successive Test victories under the leadership of Nick Mallett.
Famously serving as captain for all 17 games, including back-to-back victories over New Zealand and Australia, Gary Teichmann was unexpectedly left off of the Bok squad a year later.
Lithuania rounds out the top ten, having likewise won 17 straight Test matches between October 2006 and May 2010. Ukraine defeated them by a score of 27-16 to end their streak.
most victories in a row
Cyprus: 24 Tests (November 2008 through November 2014)
Few people will know, as was indicated above, that Cyprus holds the record for both the longest rugby streak without a loss and the most consecutive victories.
New Zealand has won 18 Tests. July 2015 through November 2016
The All Blacks and other tier-one men’s national teams have won the most consecutive Test matches, and during that streak, they also won back-to-back World Cups until suffering a humiliating loss in Chicago.
Despite Ireland depriving them of a Grand Slam and the chance to become the first men’s tier-one side to win 19 consecutive Test matches, they won five straight games and back-to-back Six Nations championships.
New Zealand has won 17 Tests. September 1965 through May 1970
During this time, Sir Fred Allen led the All Blacks on 14 occasions without losing a match. Ivan Vodanovich took over in 1969, and that’s when the streak came to an end.
South Africa won 17 tests. July 1997 to December 1998
The longest win streak for the Springboks. During this span, Mallett’s team outscored Wales 96-13 and scored 50 or more points five times. Additionally, they defeated Scotland, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, France, and
Stephen 15Another question for you: How long does it take to succeed after winning a World Cup? The All Blacks have 24 years. 1987 to 2011. And they only managed to defeat the Boks in the second match (at home) by having their own corrupt (or simply ineffective) official, Bryce Lawrence, officiate the match. We won’t soon forget that one, I hope.
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