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'The aura is gone': Has Argentina's victory shattered the All Blacks mystique?
Historically, the All Blacks haven’t just been the strongest rugby team in the world – they’ve stood head and shoulder above the rest.
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England, Australia and South Africa have flirted with greatness – most recently, the Springboks side of 2009 that bested the All Blacks 3-0 over the year – but it’s New Zealand that have inevitably risen back to the top. Even factoring in the periods where there’s been the odd drop in form, a game against the All Blacks has never been anything but a massive challenge.
Scotland and Italy are still yet to taste victory against New Zealand and, until Saturday evening, Argentina’s Pumas were in the same boat. Following the 25-15 loss in Sydney, however, fans have started to question whether the All Blacks still possess the aura of invincibility that has made them such tough opponents over the decades.
From 2010 until the middle of 2018, the All Blacks maintained a superb 91 percent win-rate. Since then, results haven’t been quite so impressive.
First, the Springboks surprised the All Blacks in Wellington. Then, on the end of year tour to Europe, New Zealand suffered a second loss for the year against an inspired Ireland side.
That loss in Dublin marked just NZ’s second-ever to the Irish (their first came in 2016) – and their first in Dublin. The All Blacks also managed lucky escapes against South Africa and England, which made for somewhat of a disappointing year for the men in black.
2019 wasn’t much better. Tier-one wins came against Argentina, South Africa, Ireland and Wales, while the Wallabies inflicted a mammoth 47-26 win over their trans-Tasman rivals in Perth and England triumphed in the World Cup semi-final.
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Now, with Ian Foster in charge, the All Blacks are sitting on a 40 percent record for the year.
That 91 percent rate between 2010 and 2018 has subsequently plummeted to just 63 percent and Argentina’s historic win on Saturday could be the last nail in the coffin, as far as some are concerned.
Rugby fans from across the world have taken to Twitter to ask the question, has the fear-factor left the All Blacks?
Argentina really showed that the All black aura is gone. Can see this being the start of a new Rugby dysnaty and the end of the All Blacks dominance
— Sports Chat (@SportsChat11) November 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/2ndHander/status/1327543021735448578
England, Australia and now Los Pumas. The AB aura is disappearing fast… And let’s not forget their Super Rugby arrogance wet the new format. Maybe not the players, but the ego of AB Rugby as a whole might just need this reality check.
— Abram Nortje (@AbramNortje) November 14, 2020
England, Australia and now Los Pumas. The AB aura is disappearing fast… And let’s not forget their Super Rugby arrogance wet the new format. Maybe not the players, but the ego of AB Rugby as a whole might just need this reality check.
— Abram Nortje (@AbramNortje) November 14, 2020
All Blacks have won 2 of their last 6 games. No team should fear them. The aura is gone.
— Habib CHUCK (@JuddHuff) November 14, 2020
Get rid of Foster ASAP before the Blacks aura of invincibility is totally shattered. #fosterout #allblacks
— kaykew (@randommidageman) November 14, 2020
The @AllBlacks ?? were smashed by Argentina ?? ???
Aura of invincibility my ass ??? day made … Ian Foster is a big talker but can’t coach , the man has never won anything.. Scooter must be laughing ? and #TriNations— mzv (@myboymdakane) November 14, 2020
What a performance by the Pumas! All Blacks have been found out, the fear factor no longer exists and teams approach them with more confidence. Need to go back to the drawing board.#NZLvARG
— Ja Field (@sijijui_hata) November 14, 2020
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https://twitter.com/kev21h/status/1327533802466516993
We were terrible, even worse than last week. Argentina deserved to win by more. Just as well we weren’t playing a really good team like Wales. I fear the glory days are well and truly over. Lots of rebuilding needed before All Blacks can compete at top table again I reckon.
— Andrew Clark (@AndrewClarkArch) November 14, 2020
It’s not the first time in recent months that some have claimed the All Blacks have lost their aura.
Following New Zealand’s draw with Australia in Wellington, former Wallaby David Campese suggested that the tides were turning.
Two weeks later, the All Blacks crushed the Wallabies 43-5.
All Blacks fans will be hoping to see a similar response from their team in their rematch with Argentina on 28 November.
Comments on RugbyPass
Not good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to comments