Encouraging campaign, but the Wallabies saved their worst for last

2 days ago 5

Opinion

October 5, 2025 — 10.55am

1. Wallabies save their worst for last

The Wallabies’ 11th loss in a row to the All Blacks in Perth is an unwanted record that has crept up stealthily, and as it now spans three coaching regimes, it is not solely owned by the current group.

But what will frustrate them after the 28–14 loss — their widest margin of defeat in the Rugby Championship — is the nagging suspicion that they lost too many of the effort areas in the second half.

By my count, there were three kick chases in which the All Blacks showed more urgency, all leading to either turnovers or an accumulation of pressure. While black jerseys swarmed around the ball, there were fewer Wallabies in support, and by the final 10 minutes, the struggling Tane Edmed was almost an isolated figure in the backfield.

The Wallabies are on the up, but sometimes in Test rugby you have to take your medicine — and they got a few spoonfuls in Perth.

2. Date with Eddie a chance to regain momentum

The Wallabies now have a break before the end-of-season tour, but not necessarily a long one. The Test against Japan in Tokyo will take place on October 25, a week before they play England at Twickenham.

New Zealand’s Leicester Fainga’anuku breaks away.

That introduces some planning challenges, but the Wallabies will welcome the chance to get back into the winners’ circle after the Perth disappointment. Japan lost to Fiji in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup last month for the second year in a row — a defeat that showed their vulnerability to counterattacks from bigger bodies, even though the Fijians were understrength (the France-based players who caused the Wallabies so much trouble in Newcastle were unavailable).

It has been an arduous few months for the Wallabies, but Japan are unlikely to present the same level of physicality they’ve faced during the Lions series and the Rugby Championship.

3. The No 10 wait goes on

Edmed started well against the All Blacks in Perth but reflected the team’s struggles in the second half. One poor kick that gifted possession back to the All Blacks inside their 22 was a moment he would clearly like again.

James O’Connor remains a valuable option, but the Wallabies will now surely turn back to Tom Lynagh as their primary playmaker. Regardless of that selection, however, the Wallabies will need to keep innovating.

There were signs the All Blacks were starting to read their attacking shape in Perth, putting pressure on the second pass from the ruck with increased line speed from the outside.

4. Injuries have taken their toll

It’s a fact of life that every team can point to its casualty ward, but the collective absence of Tom Wright, Dylan Pietsch and Andrew Kellaway felt significant on Saturday. Wright and Kellaway’s experience and class are obvious, but Pietsch’s loss has been felt too.

The winger brings so much energy and intensity — something new All Blacks winger Leroy Carter has brought in spades since his debut against South Africa in Wellington. He’s been a hard man to replace, with Corey Toole, Harry Potter and Filipo Daugunu not quite able to fill that space.

5. Springboks scrum wins the title

The Springboks beat Argentina 29–27 to clinch the Rugby Championship, and they were worthy champions. Two Argentine tries in the final quarter highlighted Los Pumas’ spirit, but that disguises how much the Springboks were in control by the hour mark. Their scrum was again the difference, generating penalties almost at will.

They appear well ahead of their rivals in this area, and it will be fascinating to see whether even the French can live with that pressure. However, even champions need a bit of luck, and the Springboks were very fortunate that Canan Moodie wasn’t sent off in the first half.

Already on a yellow card for a high tackle, he deliberately knocked on during an Argentina attack — and the failure to send him off will frustrate the Argentines, who were brave and effective at getting around the blitz defence.