Wallabies Set Sights on Ending 23-Year New Zealand Drought

Harry Wilson

The best Australia has done in recent years is a 16-16 draw in Wellington in 2020. 

Their last win in New Zealand was 23-15 at Carisbrook, Dunedin in 2001.

But after getting within touch distance in Sydney on Saturday, before running out of time to lose 28-31, they have had a confidence shot, especially in coming back from their record loss to Argentina two weeks earlier.

Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto played in that 2020 draw and recalled that it was similar to last weekend's game in Sydney. The All Blacks took an early lead before the Australians stormed home in the final quarter to level the game.

"It was an arm-wrestle of a match that one—a tight contest. But we're hoping that this isn't a tight contest and we can get a result this week.

"We can't be giving up 28 points in the first half. We've got to start well, and we must keep taking moments when we can because coming up against sides like the All Blacks, South Africa, and Argentina already presents limited opportunities for us."

Concerns about the second-half performances have become centre stage for the home team, and coupled with needing to address the Wellington Stadium performances, the All Blacks are under pressure on two fronts.

Salakaia-Loto said that pressure would ensure another challenging game between the sides. 


"Every team goes through spells like these, and whether it's Auckland, Wellington or Dunedin, they're a world-class outfit, and it's going to be a tough game.

"There's always pressure from within to perform well and to win at home, but I don't read too much into that.

"We've got to be good enough to win on the day, so that's on us. I don't think it has anything to do with how the All Blacks are playing or what's going on inside their camp. 

"We know that come Saturday, we're going to have a tough match against the World Cup finalists last year."

And they will have to do it without experienced wing Marika Koroibete who suffered a wrist injury at the weekend.

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