Bledisloe Cup 2025: Wallabies and All Blacks shouldn’t blame the referees, they need to adapt to how Test rugby is played

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Don’t blame the ref: Sloppy Wallabies need to look at themselves

Paul Cully Rugby columnist September 28, 2025 — 9.30am Advertisement

The Wallabies’ 33–24 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park looked like two Test teams playing under the illusion that they would be refereed the same way that they are in Super Rugby Pacific.

That was never going to be the case, and both sides must take their share of responsibility for an ill-disciplined clash that never hit any great heights.

Maligned whistleblower Andrea Piardi’s lack of action against Jordie Barrett for a tip tackle was problematic, but frankly, at least one-third of the Wallabies’ penalties were obvious and avoidable — offside at the ruck, no-arms tackles, and playing the man at