Rugby: Field of screams - Why Loftus Versfeld is no fortress for Springboks

The Springboks will be facing the weight of history as well as the All Blacks when they run on to Loftus Versfeld on Sunday morning NZT.

The famous old ground in Pretoria, which sits 1350m above sea level, is not the field of dreams or fortress the South Africans would like it to be – especially as far as the All Blacks are concerned.

They have played New Zealand five times at Loftus, but won only once (in 1970), which represents an appalling success rate of only 20 per cent.

Ellis Park in Johannesburg, which is only 70km away from Pretoria, is by far the Boks' most successful venue against the All Blacks.

The home side have won nine of their 14 tests there against the old foe, the last time in 2014 when Pat Lambie kicked a penalty goal with two minutes remaining for a 27-25 victory after the Boks led 21-13 at halftime.

Supporters of the Springboks will be hoping altitude plays a part in denting the All Blacks performance; especially in the second half.

But given the frequency of trips to and from the Republic during the Super Rugby season, all the All Blacks have become used to the travel and playing high above sea level.

A plus for the Boks, perhaps, is that before last month they had never before beaten the All Blacks at Wellington's Westpac Stadium. The did it with an inspired defence and an attack which made the most of every opportunity; something they couldn't do the test before against the Pumas in Argentina.

It was the first time the All Blacks had lost to the Boks at home since 2009 when they were beaten at Waikato Stadium.

The All Blacks will base themselves in Johannesburg this week before travelling by bus to Pretoria on the day of the game.

Boks at home against All Blacks (major grounds):
Newlands, Cape Town: 3 wins from 10 tests
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria: 1 of 5
Ellis Park, Johannesburg: 9 of 14
Kings Park, Durban: 3 of 7
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss