The Bledisloe Cup. Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport
All Blacks v Wallabies
Kick-off: 5:05pm Saturday 27 September
Eden Park, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ
Analysis - It's been a brutal last week for the black jersey. First the All Blacks were humbled in a record loss to the Springboks, them the Black Ferns were sent packing in their World Cup semifinal by Canada. Both teams were so thoroughly outplayed it's sparked panic around the fundamental nature of New Zealand's position as the foremost innovator in rugby.
For the first time since 1998, neither team are world champions. That's the stark reality facing NZ Rugby right now, and there is another very significant trophy on the line in the next fortnight against the Wallabies.
Here's why this Bledisloe Cup series has an extra edge:
The All Blacks need a statement
Wilco Louw of the Springboks. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
The scarcely believable 43-10 loss in Wellington makes it now vital for the All Blacks to reassure the New Zealand public. There needs to be a vintage Eden Park performance to lock away the Bledisloe Cup before they head to Perth for the second test, because after all the talk of the unbeaten streak being under threat by the Springboks, it would be a disaster if it actually fell to the Wallabies.
The Wallabies have already knocked off one fortress this year
Australia's wing Dylan Pietsch scores a try during the Rugby Championship first round Test match between South Africa and Australia at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, 2025. Photo: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
In the first round of the Rugby Championship, Joe Schmidt's side went to Ellis Park and not only beat the Springboks but gave them a hiding. That was a venue they hadn't won at since 1963, so if they can use whatever energy it took to get that result, maybe the Eden Park streak won't be anywhere near as big a deal as it has been in the past for them.
Scott Robertson is under the most pressure in his career
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson speaks to media. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
During his time at the Crusaders, Scott Robertson never had to face anywhere near this level of scrutiny. That is a testament to how good his record was there, as every season he was in charge ended in another trophy being put in the cabinet. But now he needs to step up and take charge, as this week may well be a defining one for his tenure as All Black coach.
This is the equivalent of having to defend your line against a determined opposition, because the nature of questions he'll be asked will start to be around the length of time he intends to stay in the job.
Does the team need a shake up?
Cam Roigard playing against France. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
The difficult issue for Robertson was that the team that played against the Springboks was pretty well received. The subsequent performance raised questions about pretty much every combination though, but really there are no massive glaring solutions on offer.
Robertson could shake up the loose forwards by bringing in Peter Lakai, or maybe even entertain a change at first five. Cam Roigard got through an NPC match with Counties-Manukau on the weekend, so it's likely he'll come straight back into the starting side.
Rugby Championship on the line
Aridie Savea wins a penalty and celebrates with Quinn Tupaea and Fabian Holland. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
This is now officially the most interesting since 2000, when the All Blacks and Wallabies played two of the greatest tests ever and Stirling Mortlock secured the Australians victory with the last kick of the tournament.
We head into the final two rounds with every team having a chance to win it, so while a victory at Eden Park won't quite put an All Black hand on the trophy, a loss will almost certainly mean they'll be waiting another year to win it back.
