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Why this year is different for Wallabies: Slack

Andrew Slack, the last man to captain a winning Wallabies team at Eden Park, is more optimistic than usual as the side prepares to play again in Auckland.

Published: Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 9:02 PM
Why this year is different for Wallabies: Slack
Key Things to Know
  • Andrew Slack believes improved belief and squad depth give the Wallabies a chance to win at Eden Park.
  • Australia is currently on a six-Test unbeaten streak under former coach Joe Schmidt and current coach Les Kiss.
  • New Zealand has won 11 consecutive Tests against Australia and holds an unbeaten 53-match streak at Eden Park.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former captain Andrew Slack believes the Wallabies are primed to break their 40-year Eden Park drought against New Zealand. Slack, who led the last Australian side to defeat the All Blacks at the venue in 1986, highlighted genuine belief and strong positional depth developed under coaches Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss. Australia enters the match on a six-Test unbeaten run.

Slack dismissed suggestions that coach Les Kiss should rotate players for the subsequent Sydney rematch, citing Australia's increased depth despite several injury concerns. The Wallabies face a tough challenge at Eden Park, where New Zealand remains unbeaten in 53 Tests dating back to 1994 and has held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003.

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