All Blacks Face Record Defeat: Reuben Thorne Discusses Leadership

The All Blacks experienced a significant setback on September 15, 2025, suffering a record defeat of 43-10 against the Springboks in Wellington. This loss has ignited discussions regarding the team’s leadership and captaincy, prompting reflections on the role of the captain in such challenging circumstances.

Reuben Thorne Reflects on Captaincy

In light of the defeat, Jason Pine, host of the Sports Fix podcast, engaged with former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne to explore the implications of the loss and the expectations placed on team leaders. Thorne emphasized that the captaincy is not merely a title but a role that carries significant responsibilities, especially in times of adversity.

“The captain must not only lead by example on the field but also unify the team off it,” Thorne stated. He highlighted that effective communication and emotional intelligence are crucial for a captain, particularly after a defeat of this magnitude.

Analyzing the Match and its Aftermath

The All Blacks’ loss to the Springboks comes during a period of heightened expectations for the team. Pine, alongside Elijah Fa’afiu, a sports journalist with the NZ Herald, discussed the implications of Saturday night’s performance, noting that both the All Blacks and the Warriors faced disappointing outcomes.

“This has been a tough weekend for New Zealand rugby,” Pine remarked during the podcast, which airs every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio and other platforms. Fa’afiu echoed these sentiments, indicating that the leadership structure within the All Blacks is under scrutiny following the record defeat.

Thorne’s insights serve as a reminder that while victories are celebrated, losses require introspection and a commitment to improvement. As the All Blacks regroup, the focus will be on how the team can learn from this experience and strengthen their leadership moving forward.