Rugby history is filled with extraordinary winning runs, impenetrable fortresses and losing streaks that have haunted multiple generations.
Few records capture that drama quite like the All Blacks’ 53-Test unbeaten streak at Eden Park, which faces another stern examination.
New Zealand host the Wallabies in Bledisloe Cup I tomorrow, and an in-form Australia pose a serious threat to the historic streak.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
Australia arrive in Auckland in outstanding fettle as they are unbeaten in five Tests under head coach Les Kiss.
Their last outing was an impressive victory over world champions South Africa. This followed two wins over Japan and a win and a draw against the ever-improving Argentinians.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks are searching for answers after three consecutive defeats to the Springboks in the Greatest Rivalry series.
The All Blacks face a litany of injuries to marquee players, with Ardie Savea, Ruben Love and Richie Mo'unga all side-lined. One of rugby’s most enduring records feels vulnerable.
It provides the perfect opportunity to revisit the sport’s greatest streaks.
These are the dynasties that dominated international and club rugby. These achievements defied expectations, and the losing runs planted hexes upon a team’s history.
Here are 10 of the greatest and 10 of the all-time forgettable streaks in rugby history.
10 of the best winning streaks in rugby history
1. England Women — 41 Tests unbeaten
15 April 2023 -
England’s Red Roses have established themselves as the dominant force in women’s international rugby, building an unbeaten run that reached 41 Tests in September 2026.
A 26–26 draw against Canada in WXV ended their remarkable 39-match winning streak, but England maintained their unbeaten record by defeating New Zealand 26–19 the following week.
Under head coach John Mitchell, England’s powerful forward pack, devastating rolling maul and clinical backline starring the likes of Zoe Harrison and Ellie Kildunne, England are revered across the globe.
Their extraordinary consistency reflects years of investment, professional preparation and squad depth which culminated in the 2025 Rugby World Cup triumph and an eighth straight Women's Six Nations title earlier this year.
2. Crusaders — 36 consecutive home matches unbeaten
4 March 2017 - 25 July 2020
The Crusaders turned Christchurch into a fortress during their remarkable 36-match home unbeaten streak between 2017 and 2020.
Under future All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, the New Zealand franchise combined outstanding set-piece execution with ruthless counter-attacking and exceptional squad depth.
Led by All Blacks legends including Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read and Richie Mo’unga, they won three consecutive Super Rugby titles between 2017 and 2019.
Their extraordinary home run finally ended when the Hurricanes secured a dramatic 34–32 victory in Christchurch in July 2020.
3. Cyprus — 24 consecutive international victories
29 November 2008 - 1 November 2014
Cyprus produced one of rugby’s most remarkable winning streaks, claiming 24 consecutive international victories between November 2008 and November 2014.
The Mouflons combined experienced expatriate players with emerging local talent, overwhelming opponents across the European Nations Cup divisions.
Their achievement surpassed previous international winning records and demonstrated how organisation, commitment and tactical discipline can transform a developing rugby nation.
The streak finally ended in November 2014, when Latvia defeated Cyprus 39–20 in Riga.
4. Saracens — 20 consecutive Champions Cup matches unbeaten
14 October 2015 - 21 October 2017
Saracens boast the longest unbeaten streak in the Champions Cup, going 20 matches without defeat between October 2015 and October 2017.
Their run included 19 wins and one draw, alongside consecutive European titles obtained against Racing 92 in 2016 and Clermont in 2017.
Clermont eventually ended the remarkable sequence, securing a commanding 46–14 victory in December 2017 and bringing Saracens’ continental dominance to a dramatic conclusion.
5. All Blacks — 18 consecutive Test victories
15 August 2015 - 22 October 2016
New Zealand’s 18 consecutive Tier One Test victories between 2015 and 2016 showcased the depth of one of rugby’s greatest generations.
Under Steve Hansen, the All Blacks seamlessly transitioned beyond legends, as the likes of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Ma'a Nonu retired, and Kieran Read, Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick lead the next era.
The incredible All Blacks run included the 2015 Rugby World Cup final victory over Australia. Ireland finally ended the streak with a famous 40–29 win in Chicago in November 2016.
6. England men — 18 consecutive Test victories
3 October 2015 - 11 March 2017
Eddie Jones transformed England into an international powerhouse, matching New Zealand’s record of 18 consecutive Tier One Test victories between 2015 and 2017.
Captained by Northampton Saints hooker Dylan Hartley, and backed by a Saracens spine of Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola, the side was built around defensive intensity, set-piece strength and tactical kicking.
England’s historic 3–0 series sweep in Australia in 2016 demonstrated their growing authority. Ireland finally halted the streak with a hard-fought 13–9 victory in Dublin.
7. Ireland men — 17 consecutive Test victories
9 July 2022 - 7 October 2023
Andy Farrell’s Ireland reached extraordinary heights during a 17-match winning streak that began after their historic series triumph in New Zealand in 2022.
Johnny Sexton, Caelan Doris, Bundee Aki and Hugo Keenan were all paramount to the success, and delivered a Grand Slam in the 2023 Six Nations.
Ireland carried that momentum into the World Cup but ultimately fell short against the All Blacks, losing a gripping quarter-final 28–24 in Paris and ending their remarkable run.
The quarter-final curse remains for Ireland, with Andy Farrell's men out to break the hex in Australia.
8. Springboks — 17 consecutive Test victories
23 August 1997 - 28 November 1998
South Africa’s 17 consecutive Test victories between 1997 and 1998 ensured that the Springboks remained atop of the international rugby totem poll after winning the 1995 World Cup.
Under coach Nick Mallett, captain Gary Teichmann, scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen and fullback Percy Montgomery helped create a devastating combination of physicality and attacking precision.
Their undefeated 1998 Tri-Nations campaign included a memorable 24–23 victory over New Zealand in Wellington. England eventually ended the run, winning 13–7 at Twickenham during South Africa’s end-of-year tour of the Home Nations.
9. Lithuania — 17 consecutive international victories
20 May 2006 - 24 April 2010
Lithuania established themselves as one of European rugby’s most successful emerging nations with 17 consecutive international victories from 2006 to to 2010.
Their forward-heavy approach, physical scrum and disciplined breakdown work proved particularly effective against lower-tier opponents.
The run showcased the benefits of combining local commitment with players gaining experience in stronger overseas competitions.
Ukraine eventually brought the sequence to an end with a 27–16 victory in May 2010, interrupting Lithuania’s remarkable rise.
10. France — 14 consecutive Test victories
6 November 2021 - 5 February 2023
Fabien Galthié’s France combined defensive aggression, tactical kicking and Antoine Dupont’s creative brilliance during a 14-match winning streak.
With Grégory Alldritt, Romain Ntamack and Jonathan Danty providing physicality and attacking precision, Les Bleus swept the 2022 Six Nations to secure a Grand Slam.
Their impressive run ended in Dublin in February 2023, when Ireland produced a commanding 32–19 victory to deny Galthie's men back-to-back Grand Slams.
10 of the Worst losing streaks in rugby history
1. All Blacks — 5 consecutive defeats in 1998
11 July 1998 - 29 August 1998
New Zealand’s five-match losing streak in 1998 remains a striking reminder that even rugby’s most successful teams can experience a dramatic collapse.
Under coach John Hart and captain Taine Randell, the All Blacks struggled to reproduce their usual dominance as opponents exposed weaknesses in their defensive organisation and attacking structure.
Losses against South Africa and Australia intensified the pressure, in a time remembered as the 'dark days' for All Blacks fans.
The sequence became one of the lowest points of the era, prompting difficult questions about New Zealand’s direction.
2. England — 9 prolonged defeats against New Zealand
12 June 2004 - 6 November 2010
Following their 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, England endured a difficult period against New Zealand, losing nine consecutive meetings between 2004 and 2012.
The All Blacks repeatedly exploited England’s slower attacking structures with rapid transitions, intelligent kicking and exceptional support play.
A 44–12 defeat in Christchurch in 2008 epitomised the gulf between the sides. England finally responded at Twickenham in December 2012, winning 38–21 in a statement performance under Stuart Lancaster.
3. Wales — 18 consecutive Test defeats
14 October 2023 - 15 March 2025
Wales endured the worst consecutive losing run in Tier One men’s international rugby, suffering 18 successive defeats during a painful period of transition.
The departures of experienced players such as Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric left Warren Gatland’s side struggling for consistency, physical dominance and defensive cohesion.
A winless 2024 Six Nations campaign intensified the pressure, with Italy inflicting a particularly damaging home defeat. Wales finally escaped the slump by beating Japan 31–22 in Kobe, as Matt Sherratt took over the role from Gatland for the Summer tour of 2025.
4. Namibia — 26 consecutive Rugby World Cup defeats
1999–2023 | Seven tournament appearances
Namibia’s Rugby World Cup record illustrates the enormous gulf separating established powers from developing nations.
The Welwitschias endured 26 consecutive defeats across seven tournament appearances, despite producing spirited performances against stronger opposition.
Their darkest moment came in 2003, when Australia inflicted a record 142–0 defeat.
Players such as Saracens legend Jacques Burger became symbols of Namibian resilience, battling against overwhelming odds while the country continued searching for its first World Cup victory.
5. NSW Waratahs — 13 consecutive Super Rugby defeats
2021–2022 | Winless 2021 campaign
The NSW Waratahs endured a miserable 2021 season, losing all 13 matches in Super Rugby AU.
Coaching instability, roster changes and defensive shortcomings contributed to a campaign in which the former champions struggled to compete consistently.
Rob Penney’s departure midway through the season reflected the mounting pressure surrounding NSW.
The turnaround began under Darren Coleman in 2022, when the Waratahs defeated the Fijian Drua 40–10 and started rebuilding their confidence.
6. Scotland — 17 consecutive defeats
17 February 1951 - 5 February 1955
Scotland endured one of the bleakest periods in their international history after suffering 17 consecutive defeats between 1951 and 1955.
The post-war side struggled against increasingly powerful opponents, scoring just 54 points across the losing sequence.
A devastating 44–0 defeat against South Africa in 1951 illustrated the scale of the challenge.
Scotland finally halted the run in February 1955, beginning a gradual recovery that would eventually restore their competitiveness in the Five Nations.
7. Newcastle Falcons - 25 consecutive PREM Rugby defeats
Newcastle Falcons endured the Premiership’s longest losing streak, suffering 25 consecutive defeats across a miserable 20-month period.
After beating Gloucester in March 2023, Newcastle went winless throughout the entire 2023–24 campaign, finishing 0–18.
With no relegation, the Falcons remained in the top flight and suffered four further defeats.
This extended their unwanted record into the following season, before relief finally arrived on October 18, 2024. The Falcons defeated Exeter Chiefs 24–18 at Kingston Park, ending their historic drought.
8. Italy — 36 consecutive Six Nations defeats
28 February 2015 - 12 March 2022
Italy’s 36 consecutive Six Nations defeats became a defining frustration for the Azzurri.
Despite the influence of captain Sergio Parisse and the emergence of talented young players, Italy repeatedly struggled to sustain performances against better-resourced opponents.
Their difficulties raised questions about the championship’s competitive balance and the need for long-term investment in Italian rugby.
Everything changed in Cardiff in March 2022, when Ange Capuozzo inspired a late counter-attack that helped secure a dramatic 22–21 victory over Wales.
9. Wallabies — 40 years without an Eden Park victory
September 1986–present | 24 consecutive defeats.
Australia’s Eden Park hoodoo has haunted generations of Wallabies, surviving coaching changes and multiple golden generations.
Their last victory came in September 1986, when captain Andrew Slack and fly-half Michael Lynagh helped secure a famous 22–9 win.
Since then, New Zealand have repeatedly defended their Auckland fortress, with a 57–22 defeat in 2021 among Australia’s most painful setbacks.
Under Les Kiss, the Wallabies now have renewed belief that this historic curse can finally be broken.
10. Ireland — 111 years waiting to defeat New Zealand
1905–2016 | First victory at the 29th attempt
Ireland waited 111 years to record their first victory over New Zealand, enduring generations of heartbreak against the All Blacks.
Their agonising 2013 defeat in Dublin, when a late Ryan Crotty try secured a 24–22 New Zealand victory, appeared to extend the curse indefinitely.
Under Joe Schmidt, however, Ireland finally rewrote history at Soldier Field in Chicago on 5 November 2016.
Five tries powered a sensational 40–29 win, ending one of international rugby’s most famous hoodoos
