On a brisk Saturday in Cardiff, the All Blacks, despite a roster shake-up, flexed their rugby muscles yet again to stretch their winning streak over Wales to an eye-watering 34 matches. Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece, both crossing the line twice, spearheaded a commanding 52-26 triumph that saw the All Blacks wrap their season with a flourish.
The match at the Millennium Stadium was anything but a walk in the park initially, with Wales’ Tom Rogers nabbing a hat-trick that kept the home fans on the edge of their seats. But it was the All Blacks’ strategic shifts and the shimmering boots of Damian McKenzie, who nailed all his kicks for a total of 17 points, that eventually told the tale of the tape.
Despite missing stalwarts like Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett, the visitors paraded their depth. “The boys stepped up big time. It’s about the depth in our squad,” reflected All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. The game saw New Zealand's relentless attack in the second half dismantle the Welsh resistance, with Anton Lienart-Brown and Wallace Sititi at the heart of the action.
"The boys stepped up big time. It’s about the depth in our squad,"
Clarke set the tone early, darting over in the fifth minute to signal New Zealand’s intent. Despite a solid response from Wales, highlighted by Rogers’ spirited sprints to the try-line, the All Blacks' tactical nous shone through. Ruben Love's dazzling break and Tamaiti Williams' bulldozing run added to the try fest, setting up a second half that would tilt heavily in favor of the men in black.
The spectacle was not without its drama. Welsh hopes flickered briefly after Rogers completed his hat-trick early in the second period, marking the first for Wales since the 2023 World Cup. However, two disallowed tries for New Zealand did little to halt their momentum, with Rieko Ioane and Reece finding gaps in the Welsh armor. The latter’s electric footwork not only thrilled the crowd but also effectively put the game beyond reach.
The closing minutes saw a yellow card for Wales' Gareth Thomas and a dazzling try from a returning Rees-Zammit, but it was too little too late. Clarke’s second try sealed a fitting end to a dominant All Blacks campaign, ensuring the scoreboard reflected their supremacy on the day.
The All Blacks once again confirmed why they are a powerhouse in world rugby, leaving Wales to rue what might have been in a match that, for all its moments of Welsh brilliance, underscored the relentless efficiency of New Zealand’s rugby machine.
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On a brisk Saturday in Cardiff, the All Blacks, despite a roster shake-up, flexed their rugby muscles yet again to stretch their winning streak over Wales to an eye-watering 34 matches. Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece, both crossing the line twice, spearheaded a commanding 52-26 triumph that saw the All Blacks wrap their season with a flourish.
The match at the Millennium Stadium was anything but a walk in the park initially, with Wales’ Tom Rogers nabbing a hat-trick that kept the home fans on the edge of their seats. But it was the All Blacks’ strategic shifts and the shimmering boots of Damian McKenzie, who nailed all his kicks for a total of 17 points, that eventually told the tale of the tape.
Despite missing stalwarts like Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett, the visitors paraded their depth. “The boys stepped up big time. It’s about the depth in our squad,” reflected All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. The game saw New Zealand's relentless attack in the second half dismantle the Welsh resistance, with Anton Lienart-Brown and Wallace Sititi at the heart of the action.
"The boys stepped up big time. It’s about the depth in our squad,"
Clarke set the tone early, darting over in the fifth minute to signal New Zealand’s intent. Despite a solid response from Wales, highlighted by Rogers’ spirited sprints to the try-line, the All Blacks' tactical nous shone through. Ruben Love's dazzling break and Tamaiti Williams' bulldozing run added to the try fest, setting up a second half that would tilt heavily in favor of the men in black.
The spectacle was not without its drama. Welsh hopes flickered briefly after Rogers completed his hat-trick early in the second period, marking the first for Wales since the 2023 World Cup. However, two disallowed tries for New Zealand did little to halt their momentum, with Rieko Ioane and Reece finding gaps in the Welsh armor. The latter’s electric footwork not only thrilled the crowd but also effectively put the game beyond reach.
The closing minutes saw a yellow card for Wales' Gareth Thomas and a dazzling try from a returning Rees-Zammit, but it was too little too late. Clarke’s second try sealed a fitting end to a dominant All Blacks campaign, ensuring the scoreboard reflected their supremacy on the day.
The All Blacks once again confirmed why they are a powerhouse in world rugby, leaving Wales to rue what might have been in a match that, for all its moments of Welsh brilliance, underscored the relentless efficiency of New Zealand’s rugby machine.