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The 51-20 hammering of the Wallabies at Eden Park by the All Blacks was a new points record for the All Blacks against the Wallabies.
The score and nature of the loss is a worry for the Wallabies and their supporters. After a draw where the Wallabies were the better side, optimism was increased about not only breaking the Eden Park record, but bettering the All Blacks in the coming years.
And with the eighth World Cup just over 12 months away it seemed no better time for the balance of trans-Tasman rugby power to shift.
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80 minutes later, those hopes were gone and the gap between the teams looked bigger than ever.
It seems that the Wallabies can only beat the All Blacks, if the All Blacks play a poor game. In other words the result is beyond them, unless the other team has an off day. Hoping that the best rugby team in the history of the world plays poorly is hardly a good strategy.
While the current Bledisloe Cup drought doesn’t match the 1950-1978 drought in terms of time, in matches and series played it almost does. Between 1950 and 1978 13 Bledisloe series or single games were won in a row by the All Blacks.
The current run is 12. Great years to be an All Black supporter, yes, but as a rugby supporter not so much. I grew up in the 80s and remember the cup going back and forth regularly.
Without South Africa as an international opponent during that time, Australia stepped up to become the All Blacks premier rival.
So what are we to make of the last 12 years? The win/loss ratio has gone from about 60-40 in the Blacks favour to something around 85-15. Is this just the start? I hope not, a healthy rivalry is important to rugby on both sides of the Tasman.
I’m not sure what to make of this rugby fact, but my fear is the Wallabies will end up like feeling like Wales does now as an opponent – used to be one of the greatest foes, now a team we beat easily while looking forward to the next important match.
Looking from some thoughts from true blue Wallabies supporters on this one – and do any All Blacks supporters feel the same?
I love watching the All Blacks win against Australia, but I don’t want to lose the essence of the contest, because if that happens, rugby in our part of the would will be a lot poorer for it.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.