The All Blacks have had another eye-catching season in 2024 under new coach Scott Robertson. Competing against the best teams in the world, New Zealand combined resilience, strategy and execution to remind fans why they remain a global rugby powerhouse.
Just as the Just casino game thrives on precise and timely strategy, the All Blacks have also fueled their campaigns with a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
rugby championship
The All Blacks began their Rugby Championship journey with two hard-fought wins over England. In Dunedin, they showed defensive tenacity in the last minute and secured a tense 16-15 win. A week later, Eden Park looked more polished as New Zealand won 24-17. Mark Tele’a dazzled with a key try, while Sam Cane’s leadership stifled England’s momentum when he failed.
The All Blacks produced a dominant performance against Fiji at the SnapDragon Stadium in San Diego. They outscored their opponents 47-5, with Damian McKenzie coordinating the backline perfectly and Richie Mo’unga showing off his tactical prowess. Ardie Savea led the pack with his relentless work rate, while Will Jordan added flair with several tries.
Argentina proved a rigorous but manageable test. New Zealand defeated the Pumas 42-10 in Wellington and won 38-30 in Auckland. Savea once again stood out through the defense, while Jordan’s finishing ability added a cutting edge to the attack.
But the Springboks brought the All Blacks back to earth. In Johannesburg, New Zealand lost 31-27 in a closely contested match against South Africa’s fierce stamina and dominance from set pieces. A week later in Cape Town, the Springboks’ defense proved impenetrable and the All Blacks lost 18-12. These losses highlighted areas needing improvement, especially at breakdowns and under pressure in tight games.
Bledisloe Cup
The All Blacks regained momentum in their Bledisloe Cup series against Australia. The first Test in Sydney turned into a classic as Caleb Clarke’s late try secured a dramatic 31-28 win. Despite the Wallabies’ passionate efforts, New Zealand’s ability to remain calm under pressure made the difference.
The second Test saw the All Blacks display complete dominance. Wellington’s Sky Stadium became a fortress as New Zealand controlled possession and dictated the tempo to secure a resounding 33-13 victory. Sam Cane and Ardie Savea led a forward pack that overwhelmed the Australian defence, before Richie Mo’unga’s sharp kick put the Wallabies back.
Winning the Bledisloe Cup reaffirmed New Zealand’s ability to adapt. Whether it’s their tight ends or methodical dismantling of opposition teams, the All Blacks have proven once again why they have the most coveted title in rugby year after year.
northern tour
The All Blacks’ northern tour began with fireworks in Yokohama, where they demolished Japan 64-19. Wallace Sititi, one of this year’s rising stars, shone with tries and important defensive contributions, while Brodie Retallick brought balance to a pack of veteran forwards.
At Twickenham, New Zealand faced off against England. Two tries from Mark Tele’a combined with a precise tactical kick from McKenzie gave the All Blacks a narrow 24-22 win. England threatened late, but a late drop goal from George Ford gave New Zealand the win.
The match against Ireland in Dublin was an impressive one. Ireland, unbeaten at home for more than three years, fell 23-13 with McKenzie delivering 18 points from the boot. The All Blacks dominated the breakdown and possession, leaving the Aviva Stadium crowd stunned and silenced.
Paris hosted one of the most memorable matches of the year. The All Blacks led for most of the game but fell behind 30-29 after Thomas Ramos converted France’s final penalty. Despite attempts from Savea and Will Jordan, discipline proved costly and there were key penalties that allowed France to maintain striking distance.
The tour concluded with a 29-11 win over Italy in Turin. The forwards set the platform with their physical dominance, while the backs utilize sharp attacking play. The win brings the Northern Tour to a fitting conclusion and gives the team momentum heading into 2025.
Key players and emerging talent
Throughout the year, several players emerged as pivotal to the All Blacks’ success. Damian McKenzie cemented his role as the team’s main playmaker, showing his worth under pressure with dominant performances against Ireland and England. Ardie Savea remained a key part of the forward pack, combining tireless work-rate and leadership in key moments.
Mark Tele’a proved a lethal weapon on the wing, finishing a try when the team needed it most. Meanwhile, the rise of Wallace Siti has added a new dimension to the All Blacks’ back row, with his physicality and defensive intelligence catching the eye.
