Springboks legend’s theory for Wallabies struggles against All Blacks: ‘It’s a mentality that they can’t beat New Zealand’

Victor Matfield believes that the Wallabies have a mental block when it comes to facing the All Blacks, which stems from Australian Super Rugby teams’ struggles.

In past seasons, Australian teams have been routinely beaten by their New Zealand counterparts in the southern hemisphere’s premier club competition.

While they fared decently during the 2026 regular season, the Aotearoa clubs still emerged victorious in 13 of the 20 Trans Tasman ties, which included two one-sided wins in the knockout stages. Seven wins from 20 was down from the 2025 tally, when the Aussies claimed eight wins and a draw, including a Brumbies