Alaalatoa Unfazed by Eden Park's Intimidating Record

Wallabies eye Eden Park win to end All Blacks' streak

Australia prop Allan Alaalatoa downplays Eden Park's intimidating record as Wallabies prepare to face All Blacks.

“They've obviously got a great record at Eden Park, but at the same time, it's just another footy field...”

Australia prop Allan Alaalatoa is unfazed by Eden Park's intimidating reputation as his team prepares to take on the All Blacks. With a 31-year unbeaten streak at the Auckland venue, the All Blacks have a formidable record, boasting 49 wins and two draws since their last loss in 1994. However, Alaalatoa downplays the significance of this streak, stating that his team views Eden Park as “just another footy field.”

The Wallabies, currently leading the Rugby Championship, are determined to break the All Blacks' stronghold on the Bledisloe Cup, which they've held since 2003. To reclaim the trophy, Australia needs to win at Eden Park and avoid losing the return match in Perth, or vice versa. Alaalatoa emphasizes the importance of focusing on their own performance, ensuring every player executes their role effectively.

Alaalatoa expects the All Blacks to respond strongly after their record 43-10 defeat to South Africa, particularly in the set piece. The Wallabies are well aware of the All Blacks' desire to improve in this area and are preparing accordingly. With key players like Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, and Patrick Tuipulotu returning to the All Blacks lineup, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The Wallabies' coaching staff, led by Joe Schmidt, a former All Blacks strategist, and including New Zealanders Mike Cron and Tom Donnelly, will play a crucial role in the team's strategy to disrupt the All Blacks' set piece and secure a win.

New Zealand's recent performance has been dismal, culminating in a record 43-10 loss to South Africa in Wellington. This vulnerability sets the stage for a thrilling matchup against Australia at Eden Park. Allan Alaalatoa, former Wallabies captain, is set to play for the first time this year after recovering from a shoulder injury. With experience playing in New Zealand for both the Wallabies and North Harbour, Alaalatoa is no stranger to Kiwi rugby.

“They've obviously got a great record at Eden Park, but at the same time, it's just another footy field,” Alaalatoa said, downplaying the All Blacks' intimidating aura. Australia leads the Rugby Championship by a single point, and a bonus-point win at Eden Park could knock New Zealand out of the title race with a round to spare. Alaalatoa expects a strong reaction from the All Blacks after their humiliating defeat, but emphasizes the importance of focusing on their own game plan.

“We're just totally focused on ourselves, making sure that as a unit, everyone's doing their own individual role,” Alaalatoa added. The All Blacks have not lost at Eden Park since 1994, with 49 wins and two draws, but the Wallabies are determined to end this streak. With key players like Cam Roigard and Codie Taylor returning to the All Blacks squad, the stage is set for a fierce competition.

“The All Blacks are a great side, there's no denying that.

“We're going to focus on what we can do and what we can control and we're going to work really hard this week to give ourselves the best chance on the weekend.”

Australia tops the Rugby Championship standings with 11 points, narrowly ahead of South Africa and New Zealand, who both have 10 points. The Wallabies have two crucial matches against the All Blacks remaining, with the second Bledisloe Cup match scheduled for October 4 in Perth. Meanwhile, South Africa will face Argentina in a double-header, with matches in Durban this Saturday and at Twickenham the following week.

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The All Blacks have received a boost with the return of scrum-half Cam Roigard, strengthening their squad. Coach Scott Robertson had been forced to rotate through five different scrum-halves due to injuries but now has his top two options, Roigard and Cortez Ratima, available for selection.

“Cam's really important to us,” Robertson told reporters.

“It's good to get him back in the mix. His game management is strong. He can kick. He's got a hell of a pass.

“So he's right up there.”

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson announced that hooker Codie Taylor has recovered from a concussion and lock Patrick Tuipulotu is fit to play after returning ahead of schedule from a facial fracture. This boosts the team's lineup ahead of their crucial match against Australia. The All Blacks' scrum and lineout were outmuscled by South Africa in their previous match, but Allan Alaalatoa expects a strong response from the team.

“We know they're going to react big time after the game against the Springboks,” Alaalatoa said, acknowledging the All Blacks' determination to bounce back. With key players like Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima available at scrum-half, the All Blacks are set to field a strong lineup against the Wallabies. The match promises to be an intense battle, with both teams vying for Rugby Championship supremacy.

“If anything we're just totally focused on ourselves, making sure that as a unit everyone's doing their own individual role,” Alaalatoa said.

“You definitely have an eye on the All Blacks and know that they want to make an improvement around their set piece.

“Our reaction from their last game? It's focusing on ourselves.”