All Blacks Seek Redemption After 43-10 Setback Against South Africa

New Zealand’s All Blacks are grappling with the aftermath of their historic 43-10 defeat to South Africa, a loss that marks their worst ever in test rugby. Captain Scott Barrett is urging his teammates to channel the “discomfort” from this setback as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Australia in the Rugby Championship. The match will take place at Eden Park on July 29, 2023.

Just a week prior, the All Blacks had celebrated a narrow victory over the Springboks, winning 24-17 at the same venue. However, during the recent encounter at Wellington Regional Stadium, the team suffered a humiliating defeat, conceding 36 unanswered points. Barrett, a lock in the forward pack, acknowledged the sting of the loss, emphasizing its lasting impact over the two-week break before facing the Wallabies.

“There’ll be some real discomfort this week,” Barrett stated during a press conference. “But I’m sure this team will use that to bounce forward. We’ve got the Bledisloe ahead and a chance to respond.” The Bledisloe Cup, an annual series contested with Australia, adds significance to the All Blacks’ final two tests of the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies currently lead the Rugby Championship with 11 points, followed closely by South Africa with 10 points and New Zealand in third place with 9 points. This pressure is compounded for Scott Robertson, the All Blacks’ head coach, who faces scrutiny as the team navigates a challenging period midway through their World Cup cycle.

Reflecting on the recent match, Robertson acknowledged the team’s inability to handle South Africa’s high balls, which proved costly in the one-sided affair. “When they got rolling, they were relentless. We couldn’t buy a moment, and they punished us,” he explained. He noted that the Springboks had previously faced criticism for their aerial game but had now effectively mastered this area.

Former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina did not hold back in his criticism of the team’s performance, claiming that the players appeared to give up as South Africa dominated late in the second half. “It’s not really the sight you want to see from the All Blacks,” he remarked.

While Robertson refrained from placing blame solely on his players, he emphasized the need for accountability within the squad. “Firstly, we need to own it,” he said, stressing the importance of identifying areas for improvement. “We’re not going to be chasing too many things. We need to be clear about what matters most to us on and off the field. Then get a plan and look forward to this next game.”

As the All Blacks regroup ahead of their crucial match against the Wallabies, they aim to transform the lessons learned from this defeat into a motivating force for their upcoming challenges. The team is poised to demonstrate resilience and character as they strive to reclaim their status on the international rugby stage.