All Blacks Suffer Record Defeat Against Springboks in Wellington

The All Blacks faced a shocking defeat against the Springboks on September 15, 2023, losing 43-10 in Wellington. This marked their largest defeat in history, both at home and away. Despite leading 10-7 at halftime, New Zealand conceded 36 unanswered points in the second half, leaving coach Scott Robertson searching for answers.

After the match, Robertson acknowledged the Springboks’ dominance, saying, “South Africa played incredibly well, took their opportunities and congratulations to them. We’ll take it on the chin.” He specifically noted the South African team’s superior performance in the second half, highlighting their ability to win aerial battles and capitalize on penalties around the set-piece.

The Springboks outperformed the All Blacks in crucial areas of the game. Their scrum and lineout were notably stronger, with the All Blacks struggling to maintain possession during critical moments in the second half. New Zealand’s defensive efforts faltered, with a staggering 46 missed tackles contributing to their downfall. South Africa’s kicking game and performance under high balls also proved decisive, further pressuring the All Blacks’ defense.

Robertson remarked on the Springboks’ dedication to their aerial game, stating, “They put so much value and so much time into that and the way they play, and they get return on it.” He expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, insisting that their preparation and attitude were sound. “You just get extremely disappointed because you put so much work ethic into the team, culturally, and you set yourselves up around being able to dig in and show grit.”

Despite the heavy loss, Robertson is determined not to panic. He emphasized the importance of reviewing the match thoroughly and identifying areas for improvement. “Firstly, own it. What areas we need to own it in and then go and get some responsibility and find out what we need to fix,” he said.

The All Blacks will have a week off before facing the Wallabies in the first Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park. With two rounds remaining in the Rugby Championship, the title race is wide open, as all four teams remain in contention. The Wallabies currently lead the standings with 11 points, closely followed by South Africa and New Zealand with 10 points each, and Argentina trailing with nine.

As the All Blacks prepare for their next challenge, Robertson remains focused on instilling courage and resilience in his players. “We want to own what we want to get better at. You keep the courage to keep playing and keep tight,” he concluded. With the next match on the horizon, the All Blacks aim to bounce back from this record defeat and regain their competitive edge.