All Blacks focus on set-piece and discipline ahead of Wallabies test
Sunday 4 October 2026 · 5 outlets · 14 reports · updated In this story All Blacks, Springboks, Ardie Savea, Wallabies, Dave Rennie, Shannon Frizell
The All Blacks are targeting improvements in set-piece work and discipline to avoid a fourth consecutive loss against the Wallabies at Eden Park this Saturday. Former captain Tana Umaga has been brought in to assist the team with defence following a three-test losing streak.
Key facts
6 facts
- The match takes place at Eden Park this Saturday at 7.05pm.
- The All Blacks have a 52-test unbeaten run at Eden Park.
- The All Blacks have lost three consecutive tests to South Africa.
- The Wallabies have not won at Eden Park since 1986.
- Tana Umaga is serving as the All Blacks defence coach.
- The All Blacks will name their match-day 23 on Thursday.
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
The All Blacks will face the Wallabies at Eden Park this Saturday at 7.05pm as they attempt to continue a 52-test unbeaten run at the venue. The team is looking to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat following three straight losses to South Africa.
Lock Tupou Vaa'i stated that the team must improve their set-piece, winning the air, and clinical execution in the 22 to retain the Bledisloe Cup. Vaa'i also noted that avoiding "dumb penalties" is a key focus for the forwards.
Defence coach Tana Umaga, who is assisting the team, said the recent three-test losing streak "does stick in the guts a bit". Umaga, a former All Blacks captain, has been sharing his experiences of losing the Bledisloe Cup with the squad.
The Wallabies, coached by Les Kiss, enter the match having recently defeated an understrength Springboks side in Perth. The All Blacks will name their match-day 23 for this final New Zealand test of 2026 on Thursday.
How it developed
- Tue 6 Oct, 5:22pmThe All Blacks will have three training runs together before the match against the Les Kiss-coached Wallabies.
Where reports differ
- One report mentions the All Blacks' recent losses occurred in South Africa and Baltimore, while another specifies the losses were to the Springboks.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, RNZ and Stuff.
How they headlined it
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Stuff
- At the last Rugby World Cup, Shannon Frizell’s looming exit was lamented. Now he’s an All Black once again (opens in new tab)
- ARP: The All Blacks need an answer. Is it Kyren Taumoefolau? (opens in new tab)
- Segner v Blackadder? All Blacks coach Dave Rennie’s tough call at No 7 for Wallabies test (opens in new tab)
- Choose your All Blacks team to play the Wallabies in Bledisloe I with Stuff’s team selector (opens in new tab)
- ‘Sticks in the guts:’ Tana Umaga’s painful history lesson for All Blacks ahead of Bledisloe Cup test (opens in new tab)
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The Post
- All Blacks hold cards against a Wallabies side weakened by key losses to European clubs (opens in new tab)
- All Blacks v Wallabies: Jason Ryan lays down the challenge to his big men for Bledisloe opener (opens in new tab)
- Richie Mo’unga set to assume No 10 responsibilities as All Blacks box on without Ruben Love (opens in new tab)
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NZ Herald
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1News
Shannon Frizell 'fully selectable' to start in Bledisloe Cup Tests (opens in new tab)
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RNZ
'Stick in the guts': Three-test losing streak irks Tana Umaga and All Blacks (opens in new tab)
