CAN THE RESURGENT WALLABIES END THE 22-YEAR BLEDISLOE CUP DROUGHT?

26 September 2025 - The Wallabies’ quest to bring the Bledisloe Cup back to Australian soil begins this Saturday at the All Blacks’ Eden Park fortress, live on Stan Sport.

After dramatic come-from-behind wins in South Africa and Argentina, the Wallabies sit on top of The Rugby Championship table with two rounds to play. The competition remains wide open, with all four nations still in contention for the title.

But the task ahead is monumental. Eden Park has been an All Blacks stronghold for nearly four decades, with New Zealand boasting a 52-game unbeaten streak at the venue. The Wallabies’ last win there came in 1986. With only two Tests in this year’s Bledisloe Cup series, Saturday is a must-win clash if the men in gold are to end a 22-year drought and reclaim one of rugby’s most famous trophies.

Speaking on Stan Sport's Inside Line, former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper said:

“I think they’re a good chance [of winning the Bledisloe Cup this year]. When Australia win it back – which they will, eventually – God, it’s going to be cool for the team that wins it.”

Outgoing coach Joe Schmidt will be pulling out all the stops to lead the Wallabies to victory in his final two matches. They will, however, be wary of a wounded All Blacks side coming off their worst-ever defeat against the Springboks.

The Wallabies will be boosted by the return of veteran playmaker James O’Connor, who made a quick dash from the UK to rejoin the squad after being released by his club. He is expected to guide a backline stacked with exciting young talent, including Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, Max Jorgensen and Corey Toole, all of whom are poised to make their Bledisloe Cup debuts.

It will be a special day for prop James Slipper, who will become the first Wallaby in history to play in 150 Tests. He joins an exclusive club of only two other players in rugby history to hit that special milestone for their country, including Welsh legend Alun Wyn Jones (158) and Kiwi Sam Whitelock (153).

Live coverage begins at 2:00pm AEST this Saturday 27 September on Stan Sport, Channel 9 and 9Now. Former Wallaby Morgan Turinui and All Blacks legend Sonny Bill Williams will provide expert insights live from Eden Park. Host Michael Atkinson will be joined by former Wallabies Michael Hooper, Tim Horan and Justin Harrison, dual international Allana Ferguson with Sean Maloney calling all the action.

Meanwhile, South Africa take on Argentina in Durban live and exclusive on Stan Sport from 12:00am AEST on Sunday 28 September. The Springboks side will be full of confidence a dominant win over New Zealand while Los Pumas have already chalked up impressive victories against both the All Blacks and Wallabies.

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