The 2025 All Blacks season was a landmark 13-test campaign that tested the squad's mettle across both hemispheres. Highlights of the year included a dominant clean sweep of France in the July series, a fiercely contested Rugby Championship where the Bledisloe Cup was successfully retained, and a historic Grand Slam tour attempt in the Northern Hemisphere. From the opening test in Dunedin to the final whistle in Cardiff, the All Blacks finished the year with 9 wins and 4 losses. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of every fixture, venue details, and key statistical takeaways from the 2025 season, offering New Zealand fans a definitive record of year two under head coach Scott Robertson.
The 2025 Season at a Glance
The All Blacks' 2025 schedule was one of the most balanced in recent years, featuring a traditional home series, a full Rugby Championship, and a rare four-test Grand Slam tour. The team began their campaign in July with three tests against France on home soil, followed by six matches in the Rugby Championship against Argentina, South Africa, and Australia. The season concluded with a month-long tour of the Northern Hemisphere, which included a unique "rematch" against Ireland in Chicago before hitting the traditional home nations.
Overall, the All Blacks maintained a strong winning percentage at home, though they faced significant challenges away, particularly during a grueling mid-season stretch in South Africa and Argentina. The season provided a platform for several emerging talents to cement their places in the starting XV, while veteran leaders continued to set the standard for international rugby.
- Total Tests Played: 13.
- Total Wins: 9.
- Total Losses: 4.
- Series Clean Sweeps: France (3–0).
- Trophies Retained: Bledisloe Cup.
Total Tests Played: 13.
Total Wins: 9.
Total Losses: 4.
Series Clean Sweeps: France (3–0).
Trophies Retained: Bledisloe Cup.
July Test Series vs France (Home)
The 2025 season kicked off with a high-stakes three-match series against a formidable French side. Playing across Dunedin, Wellington, and Hamilton, the All Blacks demonstrated a clinical attacking edge, securing a 3–0 series whitewash. The opening match at Forsyth Barr Stadium was a tight affair decided by superior set-piece work, while the subsequent tests in Wellington and Hamilton saw the All Blacks pull away in the second half through expansive backline play.
This series was crucial for setting the tactical tone of the year. Coach Scott Robertson utilized these games to integrate a more direct style of play, focusing on high-speed ruck transitions. The 43–17 victory at Sky Stadium remains one of the most complete performances of the Robertson era to date.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, 5 July | France | Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin | Win | 31–27 |
| Saturday, 12 July | France | Sky Stadium, Wellington | Win | 43–17 |
| Saturday, 19 July | France | FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton | Win | 29–19 |
2025 Rugby Championship: Argentina Series
The All Blacks' Rugby Championship campaign began with a trip to Argentina, a tour that proved to be a mixed bag for the New Zealanders. In the first test at Córdoba, the All Blacks silenced a hostile home crowd with a convincing 41–24 win. However, the return leg in Buenos Aires saw the Pumas capitalize on All Black handling errors in wet conditions, securing a famous 29–23 victory for the home side.
This loss in Buenos Aires served as a wake-up call for the squad, highlighting vulnerabilities in their discipline under pressure. It was only the third time in history that Argentina had defeated the All Blacks in a test match. Read more in Wikipedia.
Argentina Leg Summary
- Round 1: All Blacks 41 def. Argentina 24 (Córdoba).
- Round 2: Argentina 29 def. All Blacks 23 (Buenos Aires).
- Key Lesson: Defensive discipline in away conditions remains a priority for the coaching staff.
Round 1: All Blacks 41 def. Argentina 24 (Córdoba).
Round 2: Argentina 29 def. All Blacks 23 (Buenos Aires).
Key Lesson: Defensive discipline in away conditions remains a priority for the coaching staff.
2025 Rugby Championship: South Africa Series
The rivalry with the Springboks reached new heights in 2025, with two highly physical encounters played in New Zealand. At Eden Park, the All Blacks extended their historic undefeated streak at the venue with a hard-fought 24–17 win. The match was a defensive masterclass, with the All Blacks' loose forward trio neutralizing the Springboks' physical threat at the breakdown.
The return match in Wellington, however, saw the Springboks deliver a crushing blow. In what was one of the All Blacks' heaviest home defeats in recent history, South Africa dominated every facet of the game to win 43–10. This result ultimately cost the All Blacks the Rugby Championship title, which South Africa claimed for their 6th time.
| Round | Date | Venue | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 3 | 6 September | Eden Park, Auckland | Win | 24–17 |
| Round 4 | 13 September | Sky Stadium, Wellington | Loss | 10–43 |
2025 Bledisloe Cup: Australia Series
Despite the disappointment against the Springboks, the All Blacks successfully defended the Bledisloe Cup with two wins over the Wallabies. The first match at Eden Park was a high-scoring affair (33–24), where the All Blacks' outside backs exploited gaps in the Australian defensive line. The return match at Optus Stadium in Perth saw a more disciplined New Zealand performance, securing a 28–14 victory to end the championship on a high note.
The retention of the Bledisloe Cup remains a non-negotiable KPI for the All Blacks, and these two results ensured the trophy stayed in New Zealand for another year. The Perth match was also notable for being one of the few occasions where the All Blacks kept a clean sheet in the second half of a 2025 test.
- Auckland Result: NZ 33, Australia 24.
- Perth Result: NZ 28, Australia 14.
- Status: Bledisloe Cup retained (2–0).
Auckland Result: NZ 33, Australia 24.
Perth Result: NZ 28, Australia 14.
Status: Bledisloe Cup retained (2–0).
2025 Northern Tour: The Chicago "Rematch"
The All Blacks' Northern Tour began with a unique fixture against Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago. Dubbed "The Rematch" following Ireland's historic 2016 win at the same venue, the 2025 edition saw the All Blacks execute a perfect tactical game to win 26–13. The match was played in front of a capacity American crowd, further expanding the brand of the All Blacks in North America.
The victory was built on a dominant set-piece and the tactical kicking of the halves, which pinned Ireland in their own territory for the majority of the second half. This win set the stage for the traditional Grand Slam attempt across the UK and Ireland.
Chicago Match Details
- Date: Sunday, 2 November 2025.
- Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, USA.
- Key Performer: The All Blacks' front row dominated the scrum, forcing three crucial penalties.
Date: Sunday, 2 November 2025.
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, USA.
Key Performer: The All Blacks' front row dominated the scrum, forcing three crucial penalties.
2025 Northern Tour: Grand Slam Attempt
The final leg of the 2025 season saw the All Blacks attempt their first Grand Slam (defeating all four home nations on a single tour) since 2010. The tour started strongly with a 25–17 win over Scotland at Murrayfield, maintaining their undefeated record against the Scots. However, the Grand Slam dream ended at Twickenham, where a clinical England side defeated the All Blacks 33–19 in a match defined by tactical kicking and high-pressure defense.
The All Blacks bounced back in the final match of the year, dismantling Wales 52–26 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. This high-scoring finale provided a positive end to a long season, showcasing the team's ability to score tries from anywhere on the field when given space.
| Test | Date | Venue | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Scotland | 9 November | Murrayfield, Edinburgh | Win | 25–17 |
| vs England | 16 November | Twickenham, London | Loss | 19–33 |
| vs Wales | 23 November | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff | Win | 52–26 |
Tactical Analysis: Year Two under Scott Robertson
The 2025 season saw the "Razor" era evolve significantly. While 2024 was about establishing systems, 2025 was about execution at high speed. The All Blacks' attack ranked 2nd in the Rugby Championship for tries scored (21), while their defensive line speed became a signature of their play. However, the heavy losses to South Africa and England highlighted a recurring issue with "handling the pressure" during high-intensity 10-minute windows.
Statistically, the All Blacks remained one of the most efficient teams at converting linebreaks into tries. Their lineout was also a point of strength throughout the year, with a success rate exceeding 90% in the home tests against France and Australia.
2025 KPI Breakdown
- Scoring Efficiency: Averaged 3.2 tries per match across 13 tests.
- Discipline: Averaged 9 penalties per match, a slight improvement on 2024.
- Set Piece: Lineout success remained elite at 91%; Scrum success at 88%.
Scoring Efficiency: Averaged 3.2 tries per match across 13 tests.
Discipline: Averaged 9 penalties per match, a slight improvement on 2024.
Set Piece: Lineout success remained elite at 91%; Scrum success at 88%.
Emerging Talent and Squad Depth
The 2025 season was notable for the emergence of several "next generation" All Blacks. Players like the young loose forward prospect who debuted against France and the breakout winger who scored five tries across the Rugby Championship became household names in New Zealand. The coaching staff effectively rotated the squad during the mid-year tests to build depth for the 2027 World Cup cycle.
The return of several experienced players from injury also boosted the squad for the Northern Tour. The balance between veteran leadership—seen in the likes of Scott Barrett and Ardie Savea—and youthful exuberance was a key theme of the 2025 success.
2025 Breakout Players
- Forwards: Increased competition in the second row and at #6 provided tactical flexibility.
- Backs: High-speed wingers and a stable halfback pairing solidified the transition from the Smith/Aaron Smith era.
Forwards: Increased competition in the second row and at #6 provided tactical flexibility.
Backs: High-speed wingers and a stable halfback pairing solidified the transition from the Smith/Aaron Smith era.
2025 Season Attendance and Fan Engagement
Rugby remains the heartbeat of New Zealand, and the 2025 attendance figures reflected this. Over 581,000 fans attended Rugby Championship matches globally, with New Zealand venues like Eden Park and Sky Stadium consistently reaching capacity. The "Blackout" atmosphere in Chicago also demonstrated the growing international appeal of the All Blacks beyond traditional markets.
For fans unable to attend in person, Sky Sport remained the exclusive broadcaster in New Zealand, providing comprehensive live coverage and replays of every test. The 2025 season also saw a record number of digital interactions on the official All Blacks app and social media channels.
| Venue | Max Attendance (2025) | Notable Match |
|---|---|---|
| Eden Park | 48,000+ | vs South Africa |
| Sky Stadium | 34,500+ | vs France |
| Soldier Field | 61,500+ | vs Ireland |
Final Thoughts
The All Blacks' 2025 campaign was a season of growth, resilience, and occasional heartbreak. Winning 9 out of 13 tests in the second year of a coaching cycle is a strong result, particularly given the quality of opposition and the grueling travel schedule. While the loss of the Rugby Championship and the Grand Slam dream at Twickenham were disappointing, the successful retention of the Bledisloe Cup and the series sweep of France proved that the All Blacks remain among the world's elite. As the squad looks toward the 2026 season and the 2027 World Cup, the foundations laid in 2025 suggest a team that is becoming increasingly comfortable with the high-octane "Razor" style of play.
FAQ
How many test matches did the All Blacks play in 2025? The All Blacks played a total of 13 test matches in the 2025 season.
What was the All Blacks' win-loss record in 2025? The All Blacks finished the 2025 season with 9 wins and 4 losses.
Who did the All Blacks play in their 2025 home series? The All Blacks played a three-match series against France in July 2025.
Did the All Blacks win the 2025 Rugby Championship? No, South Africa won the 2025 Rugby Championship. The All Blacks finished in 2nd place.
Did the All Blacks retain the Bledisloe Cup in 2025? Yes, the All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup after defeating Australia in both championship tests.
Where was the match against Ireland played in 2025? The match against Ireland was played at Soldier Field in Chicago, USA.
What was the score of the 2025 All Blacks vs Wales match? The All Blacks defeated Wales 52–26 in the final match of the 2025 season.
Who is the head coach of the All Blacks in 2025? The All Blacks were coached by Scott Robertson in 2025.
How many times did the All Blacks play South Africa in 2025? The All Blacks played South Africa twice in the 2025 Rugby Championship, with both matches held in New Zealand.
What was the All Blacks' heaviest defeat in 2025? Their heaviest defeat was a 10–43 loss to South Africa at Sky Stadium in Wellington.