Jeff Wilson has crunched the numbers, and they’re ugly enough to give Scott Robertson heartburn before the Bledisloe Cup even kicks off.
The All Blacks host Australia at Eden Park this weekend, clinging to a 22‑year stranglehold on the trophy. But here’s the problem: New Zealand have lost two of their last three Tests — including that record‑breaking 43‑10 humiliation against the Springboks — while the Wallabies are suddenly looking like a team that actually enjoys winning.
Under Joe Schmidt, Australia have gone from “plucky losers” to comeback kings. They beat the British & Irish Lions in the third Test, then shocked South Africa at Ellis Park. The Wallabies have racked up 85 second‑half points in this Rugby Championship. The All Blacks? A measly 30 — with just three of those coming in the third quarter across four Tests.
Credit: The Breakdown
“This is astounding,” Wilson said on The Breakdown. “The Wallabies believe they can win any Test in the last 20 minutes. We haven’t shown that in 18 months.” Translation: if Australia ever get their first half right, New Zealand could be in deep trouble.
The Wallabies will be missing two of their biggest weapons — Will Skelton and Rob Valetini — for the Eden Park clash. Wilson reckons that tips the balance back to the All Blacks, provided they actually turn up for both halves.
Former All Black fly-half, Stephen Donald, agrees the absence of those two bruisers is huge, but he’s also eyeing the Wallabies’ fly‑half situation. If it’s not James O’Connor or Tom Lynagh pulling the strings, he thinks the All Blacks will feast. And if you’re a nervous No.10 trying to break a two‑decade Eden Park hoodoo? Good luck with that.
Robertson’s mission is clear: fix the post‑halftime slump, or risk watching the Bledisloe slip away in the final quarter.
