Former coach and outspoken rugby pundit Matt Williams recently shared his views on the All Blacks’ diminished aura in world rugby, crediting the Springboks and Ireland with exposing the team’s vulnerabilities. Williams highlighted New Zealand’s previous dominance, especially after winning consecutive World Cups in 2011 and 2015, which positioned them as the pinnacle of the sport. However, over recent years, teams like South Africa and Ireland have challenged this dominance, with South Africa defeating the All Blacks to clinch the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups and Ireland’s historic 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil.
Williams observed that the All Blacks’ defeats to a range of strong opponents—including France, Argentina, Ireland, and South Africa—have significantly impacted New Zealand’s confidence and self-image. He likened the All Blacks’ waning dominance to a “crushing blow” to their national identity, drawing a colorful analogy between New Zealand’s rugby culture and the once-dominant legions of the ancient Roman Empire. This era of Kiwi rugby supremacy, he suggests, has shifted, forcing New Zealand to confront their fallibility in the sport they have long dominated.
While Ireland’s record against New Zealand has been strong in recent years, the All Blacks managed to eliminate them from the 2023 World Cup in a decisive quarter-final. Williams also cautioned that, despite New Zealand’s mixed performances, including recent losses in the Rugby Championship, they remain a “world powerhouse.” He warned that Ireland should not underestimate them in their upcoming match at the Aviva Stadium. According to Williams, the All Blacks, under new coach Scott Robertson, are still a formidable force, with an extensive period of recent game time that has given them cohesion and a chance to rebuild. This, he argued, might give them an edge over Ireland in the upcoming clash, as they are fully “galvanized” and ready to pose a significant challenge.