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Box clever: Wallabies say accuracy and urgency keys to combatting All Blacks’ aerial dominance

Like them or loathe them, contestable kicks are now a major factor in winning Test matches. And New Zealand convincingly won the battle in the skies at Eden Park.

Published: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 5:30 AM
Box clever: Wallabies say accuracy and urgency keys to combatting All Blacks’ aerial dominance
Key Things to Know
  • Australia identified kicking accuracy and urgency as critical to fixing their aerial struggles against the All Blacks.
  • New Zealand dominated the aerial battle at Eden Park, winning the regained possession count 8-3.
  • Flyhalf Ben Donaldson contributed to two first-half tries and committed to improving kicking depth with Ryan Lonergan.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The Wallabies have identified kicking accuracy and defensive urgency as crucial adjustments needed after losing the aerial battle against New Zealand at Eden Park. Australia flyhalf Ben Donaldson and coach Les Kiss acknowledged that the All Blacks thoroughly dominated the contest for high balls, reversing the success Australia previously enjoyed with contestable kicks against South Africa.

New Zealand outpointed Australia 8-3 in regained possession from kicks, largely driven by halfback Cam Roigard's pinpoint box kicking. Donaldson highlighted that Australia's kicking was off target and kicks were often too deep, while Kiss emphasized the necessity for improved communication and urgency to regain momentum in the second Bledisloe Cup clash.

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