A thrilling rugby encounter between Wales and New Zealand ended with a dominant display by the All Blacks, securing a seven-try victory in Cardiff. This match, part of the Autumn Nations Series, showcased the All Blacks' seven-decade-long supremacy over Wales.
The Principality Stadium witnessed a masterclass from New Zealand, with wings Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece each scoring two tries. Fullback Ruben Love, prop Tamaiti Williams, and center Rieko Ioane also contributed to the onslaught, while Damian McKenzie's boot added 17 points to the tally.
Despite Tom Rogers becoming the first Welshman to score a hat-trick against New Zealand, and Louis Rees-Zammit's try, Wales couldn't match the relentless All Blacks attack.
The Battle for Discipline
Wales paid a heavy price for their indiscipline, with yellow cards shown to Gareth Thomas and Taine Plumtree. The hosts were overwhelmed by the All Blacks' relentless assault, conceding 50 points at home for the third time this year.
Inspired by dynamic number eight Wallace Sititi, the All Blacks achieved their 34th consecutive victory in this fixture, a winning streak dating back to 1953.
A Rebound for New Zealand
Scott Robertson's side rebounded from their 33-19 defeat against England last weekend, ending the year on a high note.
Wales now faces a tough challenge against the world champions, South Africa, in their final autumn international next Saturday in Cardiff. However, they'll be without 13 players who play club rugby in England and France due to the game being organized outside of World Rugby's international window.
A Historic Moment and an Alternative Anthem
Wales coach Steve Tandy made several changes to the team that beat Japan last week, including the return of center Joe Hawkins and a first cap for Ospreys flanker Harri Deaves.
To commemorate the first game between the two sides in 1905 - a historic moment when Wales won and the national anthem was sung before a sporting event for the first time - the band allowed the crowd to sing the Welsh anthem without music.
New Zealand's traditional haka followed, and Scottish referee Hollie Davidson made history as the first woman to officiate an All Blacks match and a Welsh men's game at the Principality Stadium.
Early Exchanges and a See-Saw Battle
The All Blacks dominated possession early on, setting up a try for Clarke, with McKenzie converting. Wales responded with Rees-Zammit taking a high ball on the right and then moving the ball left for wing Rogers to score, with Edwards converting.
McKenzie restored the visitors' lead with a penalty, but Wales came back strongly, with Rhys Carre almost reaching the line before a crucial turnover penalty.
New Zealand's ruthless nature was on full display when Love sprinted over after breaking through an attempted Carre tackle. Wales retaliated, with Blair Murray, playing against his birth country, latching onto a Tomos Williams chip and then releasing Rogers for his second try.
Controversial Calls and a Reversal
Wales had an inspired start to the second half, with Dafydd Jenkins making an impact. Hawkins demonstrated his skills with a wonderful pass to Llewellyn, who released Rogers for his hat-trick.
The All Blacks had two tries ruled out in quick succession. Wing Clarke appeared to score his second, but the TMO intervened due to a knock-on. Under pressure from Tomos Williams and Rogers, Jordan crossed the line, but after consulting the TMO, referee Davidson reversed her initial decision, ruling the ball was held up.
New Zealand's Onslaught and Wales' Discipline Woes
Replacement prop Thomas was shown a yellow card for a no-arms tackle, and New Zealand capitalized, with Reece scoring. Just as Wales were restored to 15 men, Plumtree received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
Ospreys number eight Morgan Morse and Dragons hooker Brodie Coghlan made their debuts, but New Zealand continued their onslaught, with Reece scoring his second try. Rees-Zammit halted the one-way traffic with a try in the corner, but the final word went to New Zealand as Clarke sprinted over for his second score.
Teams and Officials
Wales: Murray; Rees-Zammit, Llewellyn, Hawkins, Rogers; Edwards, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Assiratti, D Jenkins, Beard, Mann, Deaves, Plumtree.
Replacements: Coghlan, G Thomas, Griffin, F Thomas, Morse, Hardy, J Evans, Tompkins.
Sin-bin: G Thomas 58, Plumtree 68
New Zealand: Love; Jordan, R Ioane, Lienert-Brown, Clarke; McKenzie, Ratima; T Williams, Taukei'aho, Tosi, S Barrett (capt), Holland, Parker, Kirifi, Sititi.
Replacements: Bell, Newell, Bower, Lord, Lio-Willie, Christie, Fainga'anuku, Reece.
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
FPRO: Matteo Liperiniin (Italy)
