The Bledisloe Cup used to be a great rivalry. This year proved it no longer is

October 17, 2026 — 3:36pm

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After a period of promise under new coach Les Kiss, whose first five matches in charge of the Wallabies produced an unbeaten run, the bubble has well and truly burst.

The casual Australian fan will always judge the Wallabies by how they fare against the All Blacks, and this latest abject showing – a 43-21 defeat in Sydney – not only confirms that the Wallabies are struggling, but suggests the once-great rivalry between the two rugby nations is in peril, too.

Afternoon sunshine is the perfect backdrop for running rugby – the stuff the Wallabies were renowned for in their golden years – and there was plenty of it early as Australia burst through holes down the right edge to signal their intent.

But when Rob Valetini slipped off a tackle on Josh Moorby in the 12th minute, and wily All Blacks veteran Beauden Barrett crossed five minutes later, it was abundantly clear there would be no let-up from the Kiwis with the Bledisloe Cup already secured for another year.

Wallabies fullback Tom Wright said his side had........

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