The stage is set for a riveting clash as the All Blacks aim to salvage their pride in the final showdown of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. After a disheartening defeat to England, Scott Robertson's squad is eager to conclude their tour on a high note. Meanwhile, Wales, under new coach Steve Tandy, are buoyed by a recent narrow victory over Japan and look to challenge the formidable New Zealand team, despite being historical underdogs.
The All Blacks began their Grand Slam journey positively but faltered against England, raising questions about their ability to maintain momentum throughout a match. With 13 fresh starters, Robertson’s team is determined to dominate the entire game, unlike their previous outings. In contrast, Wales, still settling under Tandy's leadership, managed a thrilling win against Japan through a last-minute penalty by Jarrod Evans, following a heavy loss to Argentina.
Wales' lineup has been adjusted due to Aaron Wainwright’s late withdrawal, bringing Taine Plumtree into the fray at number eight. This match holds personal significance for Plumtree, a former New Zealand U20 representative born in Wales during his father’s coaching stint. On the other side, the All Blacks’ Damian McKenzie steps in as the key fly-half, replacing Beauden Barrett after an unimpressive performance.
“There’s massive respect and understanding of what they are going to bring and what we are going to bring,”
Tandy expressed, dismissing any notion of intimidation at the prospect of facing the All Blacks.
“We have a lot to play for this weekend. We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring and we know how organized, accurate, and ruthless we need to be in return,”
Robertson added, highlighting his team’s readiness.
The encounter promises to be a tight contest, with both teams boasting players capable of turning the game. For Wales, eyes will be on Plumtree and the dynamic full-back Blair Murray, while the All Blacks will rely heavily on McKenzie's strategic play and Ruben Love’s versatility in the backline. The forward battle, tactical kicking, and discipline will also be critical in determining the outcome.
Predictions lean towards a strong comeback from the All Blacks, expecting them to overcome Wales by a significant margin, based on their historical dominance and immediate need to rebound from last week's disappointment.
Teams:
Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Tom Rogers, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taine Plumtree, 7 Harri Deaves, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Rhys Carre. Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Morgan Morse, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Nick Tompkins.
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The stage is set for a riveting clash as the All Blacks aim to salvage their pride in the final showdown of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. After a disheartening defeat to England, Scott Robertson's squad is eager to conclude their tour on a high note. Meanwhile, Wales, under new coach Steve Tandy, are buoyed by a recent narrow victory over Japan and look to challenge the formidable New Zealand team, despite being historical underdogs.
The All Blacks began their Grand Slam journey positively but faltered against England, raising questions about their ability to maintain momentum throughout a match. With 13 fresh starters, Robertson’s team is determined to dominate the entire game, unlike their previous outings. In contrast, Wales, still settling under Tandy's leadership, managed a thrilling win against Japan through a last-minute penalty by Jarrod Evans, following a heavy loss to Argentina.
Wales' lineup has been adjusted due to Aaron Wainwright’s late withdrawal, bringing Taine Plumtree into the fray at number eight. This match holds personal significance for Plumtree, a former New Zealand U20 representative born in Wales during his father’s coaching stint. On the other side, the All Blacks’ Damian McKenzie steps in as the key fly-half, replacing Beauden Barrett after an unimpressive performance.
“There’s massive respect and understanding of what they are going to bring and what we are going to bring,”
Tandy expressed, dismissing any notion of intimidation at the prospect of facing the All Blacks.“We have a lot to play for this weekend. We do not underestimate the passion and resolve that Wales will bring and we know how organized, accurate, and ruthless we need to be in return,”
Robertson added, highlighting his team’s readiness.The encounter promises to be a tight contest, with both teams boasting players capable of turning the game. For Wales, eyes will be on Plumtree and the dynamic full-back Blair Murray, while the All Blacks will rely heavily on McKenzie's strategic play and Ruben Love’s versatility in the backline. The forward battle, tactical kicking, and discipline will also be critical in determining the outcome.
Predictions lean towards a strong comeback from the All Blacks, expecting them to overcome Wales by a significant margin, based on their historical dominance and immediate need to rebound from last week's disappointment.
Teams:
Wales: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Tom Rogers, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taine Plumtree, 7 Harri Deaves, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Rhys Carre. Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Morgan Morse, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Nick Tompkins.
New Zealand: 15 Ruben Love,