ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
The New Zealand All Blacks were dealt with a major wake-up call in Brisbane on Saturday as they succumbed to a 25-20 loss to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium.
With the Rugby World Cup less than two weeks away, it was the All Blacks second consecutive defeat following last week’s loss to the Springboks in South Africa.
For the whole of the first half on Saturday, the All Blacks were outclassed, leaving a rampant Wallabies side secure a comfortable 20-3 lead at half-time.
A second half fightback was not enough to secure victory for the All Blacks in the Ti-Nations decider.
World Cup commentators say the All Blacks must convince themselves that defeat so close to the tournament is in fact a good thing. At least it will stop them from being complacent. It will give them an edge and a real reminder that Australia are the real deal.
The Wallabies can play and at one stage were in real danger of blowing the All Blacks out of the water.
That was until the All Blacks emerged from halftime and the switch was flicked and from being disorganised to the point of being chaotic, the All Blacks took control.
It was Richie McCaw who led the way, driving tighter and more dynamically in the close exchanges. The ball retention was suddenly excellent and the patience that had been missing was in full view.
Standout for the Wallabies were halfback Will Genia, and New Zealand-born first five Quade Cooper.
Australia 25 (W. Genia, K. Beale, R. Samo, K. Beale tries; Q. Cooper con, pens)
New Zealand 20 (C. Smith, M. Nonu tries; D. Carter 2 cons, 2 pens).
The New Zealand All Blacks were dealt with a major wake-up call in Brisbane on Saturday as they succumbed to a 25-20 loss to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. With the Rugby World Cup less than two weeks away, it was the All Blacks second consecutive defeat following last week’s loss to the...
The New Zealand All Blacks were dealt with a major wake-up call in Brisbane on Saturday as they succumbed to a 25-20 loss to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium.
With the Rugby World Cup less than two weeks away, it was the All Blacks second consecutive defeat following last week’s loss to the Springboks in South Africa.
For the whole of the first half on Saturday, the All Blacks were outclassed, leaving a rampant Wallabies side secure a comfortable 20-3 lead at half-time.
A second half fightback was not enough to secure victory for the All Blacks in the Ti-Nations decider.
World Cup commentators say the All Blacks must convince themselves that defeat so close to the tournament is in fact a good thing. At least it will stop them from being complacent. It will give them an edge and a real reminder that Australia are the real deal.
The Wallabies can play and at one stage were in real danger of blowing the All Blacks out of the water.
That was until the All Blacks emerged from halftime and the switch was flicked and from being disorganised to the point of being chaotic, the All Blacks took control.
It was Richie McCaw who led the way, driving tighter and more dynamically in the close exchanges. The ball retention was suddenly excellent and the patience that had been missing was in full view.
Standout for the Wallabies were halfback Will Genia, and New Zealand-born first five Quade Cooper.
Australia 25 (W. Genia, K. Beale, R. Samo, K. Beale tries; Q. Cooper con, pens)
New Zealand 20 (C. Smith, M. Nonu tries; D. Carter 2 cons, 2 pens).
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