The All Blacks' 2025 season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads. Was it a year of progress or a step backward? As we dissect their performance, one thing is clear: the team’s inconsistency has become their most defining trait. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this the result of coaching instability, player selection, or deeper systemic issues? Let’s dive in.
The season kicked off with a thrilling victory over France in Dunedin, sparking optimism about a new attacking strategy. Fast forward to the end of the year, and the All Blacks wrapped up with a win over Wales in Cardiff. Sounds promising, right? Not quite. Despite the wins, the team’s vulnerabilities were on full display, with Wales scoring 26 points and raising familiar concerns about Scott Robertson’s leadership. And this is the part most people miss—while there were standout performances, like the victories over South Africa at Eden Park and Ireland in Chicago, there were also humiliating defeats, such as the collapse against the Springboks in Wellington and the loss to England at Twickenham, their first there since 2012.
Robertson, now in his second year at the helm, faced another setback with the departure of assistant coach Jason Holland, following Leon MacDonald’s exit the previous year. With a 10-3 win-loss record, the team’s performance was a mixed bag. But the real test lies ahead: the 2026 ‘Greatest Rivalry’ tour against the Springboks and the 2027 World Cup, where they could face Australia in the quarterfinals. These challenges are sure to keep the New Zealand Rugby board up at night as they pore over the upcoming internal review.
The review will likely focus on recurring issues: a leaky transition defense, poor discipline, an unreliable aerial game, and a clunky attack. These flaws were glaringly evident in the second-half meltdown against South Africa at the Cake Tin, a match that left fans stunned and questioning the team’s resilience. To address these shortcomings, Robertson’s coaching crew, currently comprising Jason Ryan, Tamati Ellison, and Scott Hansen, may need reinforcements. But is adding more coaches the solution, or does the problem run deeper?
Adding to the intrigue, former NZ Rugby high-performance head Don Tricker, now with the San Diego Padres, will be involved in the review. His insights could be a game-changer, especially given the team’s ‘consistently inconsistent’ form. Player selections have also been a point of contention, with stars like Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane feeling the brunt of limited opportunities. Lienert-Brown, for instance, only started three Tests this year, while Ioane was dropped from the left wing after the Eden Park win over the Springboks. Both players are now seeking fresh starts—Lienert-Brown with the Kobe Steelers and Ioane with Leinster—leaving their All Blacks futures uncertain.
While Robertson and his coaches have built depth in several positions, the team’s skill development seems stagnant. Their tendency to concede points quickly was a recurring theme in their defeats, raising questions about their ability to handle pressure. Is this a coaching issue, a player mindset problem, or a combination of both?
Looking at individual performances, Ardie Savea once again stood out as the most consistent player. His breakdown steal against the Springboks at Eden Park was nothing short of heroic, yet he was snubbed from World Rugby’s Player of the Year shortlist. Meanwhile, Fabian Holland emerged as the best newcomer, impressing with his work rate and toughness after his debut against France. Leicester Fainga’anuku, despite being 26, showed immense promise, particularly in his powerful performances at No.11 and No.13. Quinn Tupaea also deserves a shoutout for his stellar comeback, especially against the Wallabies.
As we reflect on the All Blacks’ 2025 season, one question lingers: Can they turn their inconsistency into a strength, or will it be their downfall? With the Springboks and other rivals closing in, the stakes have never been higher. What do you think? Is Robertson the right man for the job, or is a complete overhaul needed? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
