New Zealand 29 – 10 Wales
Wales’ search for their first Test victory on New Zealand soil continues after suffering a 29-10 defeat against the All Blacks at Waikato Stadium.
The sequence of defeats now stretches to 23 on the trot with Wales having to go back to 1953 for their last success against the All Blacks.
Despite the defeat Wales showed character and upset New Zealand’s rhythm and finished strongly. Only a last gasp try by New Zealand gave the final scoreline a flattering look in the Kiwis favour.
Leigh Halfpenny opened the scoring in the third minute with a well struck penalty but ominously the Welsh fell off early tackles with both Zac Guildford and Richard Kahui brushing off defenders with ease.
Dan Carter levelled matters in the 16th minute after Wales flanker Gavin Thomas infringed at a ruck. As in the first Test, Wales kept the All Blacks honest with solid defence but slowly the New Zealand were edging over the gain line.
Eventually the patient lead-up work paid dividends when winger Cory Jane scored for the second consecutive Test. The All Blacks went through the gears effortlessly as the forwards inched towards the Welsh try-line before the ball was swift rapidly to the left where Jane coasted over out wide.
Carter added the difficult conversion as Wales skipper Ryan Jones, who had been struggling with an injury, trudged off the pitch to be replaced by Rob McCusker.
It was all hands to the pump as the halftime hooter went. Wales lost their own lineout close to the try-line. The All Blacks scented blood and charged into the Welsh 22m line. Lee Byrne stopped lock Tom Donnelly in his tracks but referee Jonathan Kaplan deemed it a dangerous tackle. He sent the Ospreys full back to the bin and Carter nudged the All Blacks three points further ahead as the players headed down the tunnel.
A loose kick gave the All Blacks a chance to counter attack and once again Welsh indiscipline gave away another three points as Carter banged over another penalty to stretch the lead.
The Welsh scrum, the one area where the men in red had clear dominance, created an opportunity for Halfpenny to bang over another long range effort after the All Blacks pack buckled at the set piece. But the Blues winger’s shot hit the posts and the All Blacks immediately mounted a long range counter attack.
Eventually it led to another Carter shot at goal and he made sure from 40m. By now Wales were at breaking point as the All Blacks dominated possession. Alun Wyn Jones was next to be penalised and once again Carter piled on the agony with his fourth successful penalty.
Both teams were reduced to 14 men for the last 10mins when Sam Whitelock and Gavin Thomas saw yellow. Whitelock took Thomas out at a ruck and the Dragons flanker retaliated with a swing of the arm. It begs the question – what is a player supposed to do when he is being deliberately obstructed?
Jamie Roberts deservedly went over late on as Wales threw the kitchen sink at New Zealand but the All Blacks had the final say when Aaron Cruden scored in the last act of the game.
Scorers:
New Zealand: Tries: Jane, Cruden; Con – Carter, Weepu; Pens – Carter (4)
Wales: Try – Roberts; Con – Jones; Pen – Halfpenny
