Schmidt Highlights Importance of Bledisloe Cup Ahead of Clash

The upcoming match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies has generated significant anticipation, with Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt underscoring the immense value of the Bledisloe Cup to the New Zealand team. Schmidt revealed that, for the All Blacks, the Bledisloe Cup holds a special place, often surpassing the importance of the broader Rugby Championship.

“I think if you gave them a choice, they’d take the Bledisloe over the Rugby Championship,” Schmidt stated. He emphasized the deep-rooted tradition of the Bledisloe Cup, which has been contested for decades, making it more significant than the relatively modern Rugby Championship. Schmidt acknowledged the All Blacks’ desire to pursue both titles but noted the unique prestige of the Bledisloe Cup.

Historically, the All Blacks have dominated the Bledisloe Cup, having held the trophy for the last 23 seasons. Remarkably, several current Wallabies players were not even born when their team last secured victory in this competition. None were alive during the Wallabies’ last win at Eden Park in 1986, a notable fact that underscores the challenge facing the Australian side.

Schmidt reflected on the psychological advantage of playing at Eden Park, suggesting that the venue’s history influences the All Blacks’ performance. “When the Wallabies last came to Auckland, I think the All Blacks jumped out to a good lead and won by a good margin,” he recounted. He expressed confidence that the home side would bring a heightened focus and intensity this Saturday, stating, “I have no doubt that that’s exactly what we’re going to get on Saturday.”

In the lead-up to the match, Schmidt addressed speculation regarding his relationship with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson. Following comments he made in Ian Foster‘s autobiography, there were murmurs of a rift, but Schmidt clarified that he respects Robertson and looks forward to seeing him at Eden Park. “He’s a guy I’ve known for a long time,” Schmidt said, noting their personal connections.

Regarding his previous comments about Robertson’s influence on New Zealand Rugby’s board during Foster’s tenure, Schmidt explained his concerns about the pressure on Foster. “I was just seeing the impact that was having on Ian Foster,” he noted. His intention was to mitigate the strain rather than create further complications.

As the Rugby Championship progresses, the Wallabies currently lead with 11 points, closely followed by the Springboks and All Blacks, both on 10 points, while the Pumas sit at 9 points. With two matches remaining, the stakes are high for all teams involved.

The anticipated match will feature a lineup of talented players. For the All Blacks, key players include Will Jordan, Ardie Savea, and Beauden Barrett. The Wallabies will rely on standout performances from James O’Connor, Harry Wilson, and Max Jorgensen as they aim to break the All Blacks’ hold on the Bledisloe Cup.

As the teams prepare for the showdown at Eden Park on March 15, 2024, both sides are set to deliver an electrifying display of rugby, with the Bledisloe Cup hanging in the balance. The match promises to be a defining moment in this storied rivalry, as both coaches and players seek to leave their mark on rugby history.