Jake White says it’s “make or break” for New Zealand rugby and that the All Blacks should be worried going into their colossal clash with the Springboks at Eden Park.
The All Blacks are reeling from a 29-23 defeat in Buenos Aires – their first loss to the Pumas in Argentina.
While Los Pumas had beaten New Zealand three times since 2020, this latest result has heightened concerns about Scott Robertson’s side.
Next up is a meeting with the world champion Springboks at Eden Park on 6 September, where New Zealand are unbeaten in 50 Tests dating back to 1994. The sides will then face off again in Wellington a week later.
Writing in his RugbyPass column, White warned that this year’s Rugby Championship has already seen historic records fall, citing the Wallabies’ first victory over the Boks at Ellis Park since 1963 and New Zealand’s latest stumble.
“That should worry the All Blacks,” he said.
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White believes their aura of invincibility has been eroded.
“[Former All Blacks scrumhalf] Justin Marshall was bemoaning the loss to Argentina. He said all the blood, sweat and tears expended maintaining that 35-year unbroken winning record over Los Pumas has disappeared in just five years.
“They’ve now lost home and away. That’s taking nothing away from Argentina, but the All Blacks’ aura has disappeared.”
The 2007 World Cup-winning Bok coach added that the team faces searching questions.
“Is Rieko Ioane a wing or a centre? Does the midfield of Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor have balance? Is Ardie Savea an eight or a loosie? Is Scott Barrett the right captain? Is Beauden Barrett the right man to steer them to 2027? These are not settled issues.”
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White also questioned the wider direction of New Zealand rugby.
“Was Ian Foster the right choice to succeed Steve Hansen? Was Scott Robertson’s appointment handled the right way before the 2023 World Cup? It wasn’t the way New Zealand generally do things.”
For White, the Eden Park Test is about more than protecting a record.
“Sometimes you have to stop the bus and reboot. This is make or break for them. New Zealand rugby has to make big decisions and show why they’ve always been thought leaders in rugby.”
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Photo: Marcelo Endelli/Getty Imges
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