Donnelly Aims to Topple All Blacks in Bledisloe Cup Clash

In a highly anticipated clash, Tom Donnelly will lead the Wallabies as they face the All Blacks at Eden Park, aiming to end New Zealand’s long-standing dominance in the Bledisloe Cup. The match, scheduled for September 30, 2023, marks Donnelly’s first opportunity to coach against his home nation, where the All Blacks have remained unbeaten for over three decades, last losing at this venue to Australia in 1986.

Donnelly’s preparations come after a successful stint as a strategist and selector for the All Blacks during the 2023 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in leading them to the final. Now, alongside fellow New Zealander and scrum coach Mike Cron, Donnelly is focused on orchestrating a plan to defeat his former team. He took over the Wallabies’ lineout coaching duties in July, succeeding Geoff Parling, who returned to England to coach Leicester.

Reflecting on his current position, Donnelly stated, “When you’re in professional sports, whatever team you’re involved with, you get emotionally invested in it pretty quickly.” At 43, he is committed to ensuring the Wallabies are fully prepared for the challenge ahead. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and striving to deliver a performance that the team can be proud of.

The Bledisloe Cup has been a source of frustration for Australian rugby fans, with New Zealand holding the trophy since 2003. To reclaim it, Australia must secure a victory at Eden Park and then win the rematch in Perth a week later, or achieve a win in reverse. This pressure drives the team as they seek to put an end to New Zealand’s generational dominance in the annual competition.

Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen is among the younger players who have yet to experience winning the Bledisloe Cup, having been born after Australia last held the trophy in 2002. Jorgensen, who is set to participate in his first Bledisloe test, expressed the team’s determination to improve their performance over a full 80 minutes. “It’s ultimately about becoming an 80-minute team,” he told reporters, highlighting the need to address their previous slow starts in matches against Argentina.

As the Wallabies prepare for this crucial test, the stakes are high. A victory against the All Blacks would not only revive the spirit of Australian rugby but also mark a significant shift in the competitive landscape of trans-Tasman rugby. With a blend of seasoned experience and youthful energy, Donnelly and the Wallabies are ready to face the challenge head-on.