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'We’ve got to back it up': All Blacks shift focus ahead of Freedom cup clash in Wellington
Reuben Wickstead • September 12th, 2025 1:45 pm
Jason Ryan | Photo: Photosport
After a hardfought win over the Springboks last weekend, the All Blacks’ attention now shifts to their rematch at Sky Stadium and a chance to take back the Freedom Cup.
Assistant coach for the ABs, Jason Ryan, says initially the team’s focus was largely on coming down off the adrenaline of Saturday night.
“That was a hell of a contest and a massive high that the boys were all up for and then Monday comes around pretty quick, so you've got to reset yourself,” he told Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy.
“We responded, but now what will make Eden Park special is tomorrow night. We've got to back it up.”
Despite the positive result at Eden Park it was far from smooth sailing for the All Black’s forwards coach, whose men struggled at scrumtime to cope with the physicality of the Springboks.
“Let's not hide from it, they've got genuine power. But we back our scrum technically as well as the physical side. So we'll be better for that bit of a dent,” he told Sport Nation.
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This cause will also get a huge boost from the inclusion of Tyrel Lomax who returns to the side after his recent injury struggles.
“Great to have 'Lowy' back in the mix starting, it’s a good dynamic that we trust,” says Ryan.
“He was the best tight head in the world last year, so to get him back some rhythm with his hand, he's looking good.”
With the Springboks missing their golden chance to upset the apple cart in Auckland, they now find themselves as the ones with something on the line tomorrow night.
Alongside the silverware, the Boks are set to put an unbeaten run in the Kiwi capital spanning over a decade up for grabs
The All Blacks appear hungry to reacquire the trophy after relinquishing it in Cape Town last year, the first time since 2009.
“We've got a chance to win the Freedom Cup now. So we've talked about that, and that's the exciting one,” says Ryan.
Listen to the full interview below:
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