Great NZ v SA Eden Park clashes

Auckland - Auckland's Eden Park, where New Zealand and South Africa meet in a Cricket World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, has also played host to some memorable rugby union clashes between the two countries, with the All Blacks and Springboks long the two major powers in the 15-man code.

Memorable New Zealand-South Africa matches in both sports at Eden Park:

RUGBY UNION

1937: New Zealand 6 South Africa 17

By running in five tries to nil the Springboks, given the scoring system then in use, inflicted New Zealand's heaviest defeat on home soil as they clinched a 2-1 series victory in stunning style.

South Africa's win led to the old joke that the "best team ever to leave New Zealand were the 1937 Springboks".

1981: New Zealand 25 South Africa 22

A match that became known as the 'Flour Bomb Test' after a light aircraft flying above Eden Park dropped paper flour bombs on the ground, one of which hit New Zealand prop Gary Knight directly on the head, as part of an anti-apartheid protest.

The All Blacks eventually won an extraordinary match, and the series, thanks to Allan Hewson's controversial injury-time penalty from 35m out after Springbok wing Ray Mordt scored a hat-trick of tries.

1994: New Zealand 18 South Africa 18

Gavin Johnson and Brendan Venter both scored tries for the Springboks, with Johnson also kicking two penalties and a conversion. But New Zealand fullback Shane Howarth landed six penalties as the match finished all square.

It was the last time New Zealand failed to win a rugby international at Eden Park, since when they've posted 33 consecutive victories at their Auckland stronghold.

CRICKET

1992, World Cup: New Zealand won by 7 wickets

South Africa's first match in Auckland for nearly 28 years saw them become one of several teams at the 1992 World Cup perplexed by New Zealand opening the bowling with off-spinner Dipak Patel.

Andrew Hudson was bowled by Patel at the top of the order and it needed veteran Peter Kirsten's 90 to help South Africa to a modest 190 for seven.

Mark Greatbatch (68) and Rod Latham (60) put on 103 for the first wicket as New Zealand enjoyed a comfortable victory.

1995, Only Test: South Africa won by by 93 runs

South Africa spoilt New Zealand's celebrations for their cricket centenary with a come-from-behind win.

Hansie Cronje's declaration just before lunch on the fifth day, after he made 101 himself, left New Zealand needing 275 to win in 63 overs.

But seamer Fanie de Villiers (four for 42) took wickets throughout the innings and New Zealand were dismissed for 181.

2004, 2nd Test: New Zealand won by 9 wickets

New Zealand seamer Chris Martin took match figures of 11 for 180 to help set up an impressive victory.

Scott Styris (170) and Chris Cairns (158) both scored centuries in a large New Zealand first innings of 595 and not even Jacques Rudolph's second-innings 154 not out could spare South Africa defeat.

The stage is set at Eden Park for an epic #NZvSA semifinal showdown tomorrow! Are you picking #NZ or #SA? #cwc15 pic.twitter.com/ZaZgspa82l

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 23, 2015