Donnelly Aims to End All Blacks’ Bledisloe Cup Dominance

As the Wallabies prepare to face the All Blacks at Eden Park on July 29, 2023, Tom Donnelly, the newly appointed lineout coach, is focused on one goal: ending New Zealand’s long-standing dominance in the Bledisloe Cup. The All Blacks have held the trophy since 2003, a record that has loomed large over Australian rugby.

Having contributed to the All Blacks’ success in the 2023 World Cup final as a strategist and selector, Joe Schmidt now turns his attention to plotting their defeat. Schmidt’s expertise is complemented by his trusted assistants, including fellow New Zealanders Mike Cron, who oversees the scrum, and Tom Donnelly, responsible for the lineout.

New Beginnings for Donnelly

After previously coaching Otago from 2020 to 2024 and spending time with the Highlanders, Donnelly joined the Wallabies in July 2023, replacing Geoff Parling, who returned to England to coach Leicester. Donnelly’s extensive background in rugby, including 15 test appearances for the All Blacks between 2009 and 2010, has prepared him for this pivotal moment.

Saturday will mark Donnelly’s first encounter against his home nation, but he insists there will be no conflicted emotions. “In professional sports, you get emotionally invested in whatever team you’re involved with,” said the 43-year-old. “I’m focused on doing a great job with the Wallabies and preparing to beat the All Blacks.” His commitment to his current role is evident, as he aims to ensure the squad is ready to perform at their best.

Aiming for an 80-Minute Performance

Australian fans are eager for a victory that would not only end the All Blacks’ Bledisloe Cup reign but also signal a new era for the Wallabies. To reclaim the trophy, Australia must secure a win at Eden Park and avoid a loss in the subsequent rematch in Perth.

Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen, who was born after Australia last held the trophy in 2002, is keen to contribute to the team’s quest for redemption. He acknowledges that discussions around the team’s long drought have not dominated preparations, but the focus remains on improving their performance. “It’s ultimately about becoming an 80-minute team,” Jorgensen explained. “Putting in a complete performance that we can be proud of is our main goal.”

With the stage set for an intense showdown, both players and coaches are fully aware of the significance of this match. The Wallabies are determined to rise to the occasion and bring the Bledisloe Cup back to Australia, while the All Blacks seek to maintain their legacy of dominance in trans-Tasman rugby.