New Zealand Rugby Team Returns to Action Against Australia

All Blacks Coach Robertson welcomes four reinforcements

New Zealand team returns to action against Australia with four reinforcements. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson welcomes four key players back for the Rugby Championship test.

“We'll continue to practice during the week and we'll get another shot this weekend...”

New Zealand coach Scott Robertson is gearing up for a crucial Rugby Championship test against Australia, with four key players returning from injury. Scrumhalf Cortez Ratima, experienced lock Patrick Tuipulotu, hooker Codie Taylor, and halfback Cameron Roigard will bolster the All Blacks' lineup for Saturday's match at Eden Park. This boost comes after the team's dramatic 43-10 loss to South Africa, a defeat that left them a point behind leaders Australia in the Rugby Championship standings.

All Blacks' Current Standings:

• Ranked 3rd in the Rugby Championship 2025
• Played 4 matches, won 2, lost 2, with 10 points
• A bonus-point victory for Australia could knock the All Blacks out of contention

Robertson acknowledges that his team still needs to refine their performance, particularly in light of their collapse against South Africa. “We have looked at it from refining structures, leadership, timing players coming onto the field, and then probably just coming down to executing what's required at that moment,” he said. The All Blacks will aim to bounce back and stay in the championship race, but they'll need to overcome the historical hurdle of winning at Eden Park, where Australia hasn't won since 1986.

The All Blacks are looking to bounce back from their heaviest defeat in over 100 years, a 43-10 loss to South Africa in Wellington, as they host Australia in the Rugby Championship. Coach Scott Robertson has welcomed back key players for the match, including scrumhalf Cortez Ratima, lock Patrick Tuipulotu, and hooker Codie Taylor, who were sidelined with injuries. With the return of these players, the All Blacks are seeking to address their consistency issues and improve their performance.

Robertson reflected on the team's dramatic collapse against South Africa, stating, “Yes and no,” when asked if they had identified the problem. “We have looked at it from refining structures, leadership, timing players coming onto the field, and then probably just coming down to executing what's required at that moment.” The coach emphasized the importance of pinpointing and securing crucial “little key moments” within games to enhance the team's overall performance and results.

New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has welcomed back key players for the crucial Rugby Championship test against Australia at Eden Park. The All Blacks are looking to bounce back from their 43-10 loss to South Africa and stay in the race for the championship trophy. With the return of scrumhalf Cortez Ratima, lock Patrick Tuipolotu, and hooker Codie Taylor, Robertson believes his team is ready to take on the Wallabies. “We'll continue to practice during the week and we'll get another shot this weekend,” he said.

The stakes are high, with the All Blacks a point behind leaders Australia. A bonus-point victory for the Wallabies would knock New Zealand out of contention. However, Australia would need to defy history to win at Eden Park, where they haven't won since 1986. Robertson drew parallels with their recent loss to Argentina, where they bounced back with a 24-17 win over South Africa at Eden Park. Yet, he emphasized that his team shouldn't need wake-up calls to perform at their best.

“We don't want to be stung to use that as fuel again,” Robertson said, highlighting the importance of consistency. “The ultimate in any sporting team is to be consistent and that's what you look for.” The All Blacks will aim to refine their structures, leadership, and execution, which Robertson believes are crucial to success. With the Wallabies' newfound resilience and Australia's coaching staff, led by Kiwi brain trust members Mike Cron and Tom Donnelly, plotting their downfall, the match promises to be intense.

Welcome back, Cam 🤝 pic.twitter.com/nGBzhLFkT0

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 23, 2025

Upcoming Match

The All Blacks will face Australia at Eden Park on September 27, with the winner taking a significant step towards retaining the Bledisloe Cup. Robertson is focused on building momentum, stating, “We'll continue to practice during the week and we'll get another shot this weekend.” The team's ability to execute their game plan and adapt to pressure will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.