The Wallabies are preparing for one of rugby’s toughest challenges as they head to Eden Park this weekend, where they have not beaten the All Blacks in four decades. Coach Joe Schmidt has warned his players to expect a “pressure cooker” atmosphere as New Zealand look to respond to the heavy 43–10 loss they suffered against South Africa a fortnight ago.

Schmidt, who previously was an assistant coach of the All Blacks, said the defeat will have sharpened their resolve. “They will be highly connected and combative,” he noted, stressing that Australia must avoid the slow starts and costly turnovers that have haunted them in the past.

The game comes as the Rugby Championship is still anybody’s tournament. Australia currently top the table with eleven points from their four games. However, the tournament is still wide open with the All Blacks and Springboks on ten points, and Argentina on nine.

The Wallabies will draw on New Zealand expertise within their own ranks, with Schmidt joined by assistants Mike Cron and Tom Donnelly, both former All Black forwards. That Kiwi insight, Schmidt believes, can help counter New Zealand’s aerial strength, especially with winger Caleb Clarke recalled to the squad.

Beyond tactical adjustments, Schmidt highlighted the emotional weight of the occasion. He said the Bledisloe Cup (which is a separate trophy contested between the All Blacks and the Wallabies) remains one of the most prized contests for Australian supporters, and that restoring belief within the Wallabies squad is vital to overturning the long-running Auckland drought.

As Australia chase a rare upset, Schmidt’s message has been clear: composure, discipline, and conviction will be needed to crack Eden Park’s stranglehold and keep the Bledisloe and Rugby Championship dreams alive.