Coach Scott Robertson couldn't hide his delight after his reshuffled All Blacks squad trounced Wales with a 52-26 scoreline in Cardiff, bouncing back with flair from their recent defeat to England. Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece, notching up two tries each, and Damian McKenzie, who kicked a stellar 17 points, were instrumental in the victory. Despite Wales scoring four tries, including a hat-trick from Tom Rogers, they couldn't hold off the rampant Kiwis.
The All Blacks had a rocky start to their European tour with a loss to England derailing their Grand Slam ambitions, following earlier victories against Ireland and Scotland. This season also saw them suffer setbacks with losses to Argentina and a record defeat at home to South Africa. However, Robertson, making 12 changes post-England, saw his side rise to the occasion. "The guys stood up and took the opportunity incredibly well, there are some good combinations," Robertson noted, emphasizing the breadth of talent tested this year in preparation for the World Cup.
"We knew how tough it was to come to the Principality. They’ve been through a tough time but we know how quickly it can turn around when the All Blacks come to town. We’re pleased we broke away at the end,"
Robertson added.
The victory over Wales marked New Zealand's 34th consecutive win against the Welsh, a streak spanning 72 years. All Blacks captain Scott Barrett reflected on the season's progress. "Ultimately the trajectory of the team is on the way up," Barrett said. "Razor and the group should be excited about the challenge."
On the other side, Wales coach Steve Tandy, despite the loss, praised his team's spirit and the debut performances of Brodie Coghlan, Harri Deaves, and Morgan Morse. "You’re never satisfied with conceding 50 points but you look at the way this young group have gone and attacked New Zealand and were brave in defence," Tandy stated.
"There’s lots to be proud of. The tries were outstanding. It’s not the scoreboard we want, but it was a huge effort from the group."
Wales, who earlier lost to Argentina and narrowly beat Japan, now face the formidable Springboks in their final Autumn Nations Series game. With 13 players returning to club duties, Tandy hinted at the need for reinforcements against the world champions. "We’ll call up a few. We might have to get a few reinforcements," he concluded, setting the stage for a challenging encounter.
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Coach Scott Robertson couldn't hide his delight after his reshuffled All Blacks squad trounced Wales with a 52-26 scoreline in Cardiff, bouncing back with flair from their recent defeat to England. Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece, notching up two tries each, and Damian McKenzie, who kicked a stellar 17 points, were instrumental in the victory. Despite Wales scoring four tries, including a hat-trick from Tom Rogers, they couldn't hold off the rampant Kiwis.
The All Blacks had a rocky start to their European tour with a loss to England derailing their Grand Slam ambitions, following earlier victories against Ireland and Scotland. This season also saw them suffer setbacks with losses to Argentina and a record defeat at home to South Africa. However, Robertson, making 12 changes post-England, saw his side rise to the occasion. "The guys stood up and took the opportunity incredibly well, there are some good combinations," Robertson noted, emphasizing the breadth of talent tested this year in preparation for the World Cup.
"We knew how tough it was to come to the Principality. They’ve been through a tough time but we know how quickly it can turn around when the All Blacks come to town. We’re pleased we broke away at the end,"
Robertson added.The victory over Wales marked New Zealand's 34th consecutive win against the Welsh, a streak spanning 72 years. All Blacks captain Scott Barrett reflected on the season's progress. "Ultimately the trajectory of the team is on the way up," Barrett said. "Razor and the group should be excited about the challenge."
On the other side, Wales coach Steve Tandy, despite the loss, praised his team's spirit and the debut performances of Brodie Coghlan, Harri Deaves, and Morgan Morse. "You’re never satisfied with conceding 50 points but you look at the way this young group have gone and attacked New Zealand and were brave in defence," Tandy stated.
"There’s lots to be proud of. The tries were outstanding. It’s not the scoreboard we want, but it was a huge effort from the group."
Wales, who earlier lost to Argentina and narrowly beat Japan, now face the formidable Springboks in their final Autumn Nations Series game. With 13 players returning to club duties, Tandy hinted at the need for reinforcements against the world champions. "We’ll call up a few. We might have to get a few reinforcements," he concluded, setting the stage for a challenging encounter.