Wales 10 New Zealand 33
NEW Zealand ruthlessly consigned Wales to a sixth successive defeat as they strode to a majestic 33-10 win at the Millennium Stadium.
Tries from Liam Messam, Tony Woodcock and Luke Romano made it a chastening return for Wales head coach Warren Gatland - and ensured the Welsh remain winless against the All Blacks since 1953.
Scott Williams's try from a novel 15-man driving maul gave Wales reason to cheer after an hour, and Alex Cuthbert touched down late on to cap a valiant second-half display from the hosts.
They had trailed 23-0 at half time, but their resurgence after the interval at least restored a little pride after the abject failures of the past fortnight.
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Having lost to Argentina and Samoa in the opening two weeks of this autumn series, Wales entered this encounter with confidence low and expectations even lower.
There was more urgency and fire in the Welsh performance, but the errors remained and no amount of passion could match the merciless efficiency of the world champions.
In what had already been a bruising autumn for Wales, their casualty list grew further in the opening two minutes as prop Aaron Jarvis and lock Bradley Davies both had to leave the field with injuries.
Davies was taken out by a swinging arm from All Black hooker Andrew Hore, though referee Craig Joubert failed to spot the off-the-ball incident.
The Welsh crowd raged with injustice having seen replays of the blow on the big screen, but New Zealand detached themselves from the fervour to take a 3-0 lead thanks to an Aaron Cruden penalty.
There was a furious pace to the opening quarter, with the All Blacks running on to the ball with frightening speed and power.
Another Cruden penalty stretched their advantage to 9-0 and then, inevitably, they broke free to score the game's first try.
Rhys Priestland's up-and-under arced into the New Zealand 22 and, after tapping the ball back to Israel Dagg, winger Julian Savea was given a return pass and scampered down the touchline.
Welsh tackles were limp as the All Blacks poured into Welsh territory and, with the ball recycled quickly, the visitors worked a huge overlap which ended with flanker Messam touching down.
The hosts had their chances. Priestland overcooked two penalties to touch which went dead and, whenever they got near the New Zealand line, a mistake or turnover invariably followed.
The reigning world champions pulled further clear on the cusp of half time, prop Woodcock burrowing his way over the line from a line-out for a converted score which gave his side a 23-0 lead at the interval.
The second half began much in the same fashion, with Cruden slotting a third penalty and lock Romano finishing off a sweeping move to claim the All Blacks' third try.
A 33-0 deficit did not deter the home crowd, though, and they erupted with volcanic joy as replacement centre Williams bundled over from a 15-man driving maul at a line-out to get Wales off the mark.
The Millennium Stadium choir cranked up the volume again when All Black wing Cory Jane was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, and they were given one last hurrah as Cuthbert crossed for a late try.
Comments
by abertawejack
Sunday, November 25 2012, 3:10PM
“We just weren't up to the mark in the first 20 minutes, though the ref did his bit to upset the run of play, bit biased wasn't he! No complaints here the best team won, if kicking to touch instead of between the post is preferred, well sorry "The All Blacks" are to big and powerful for us to play their game, all points count in my eye's. Next time lets play our own game without kicking the ball down the field for them to regroup. Keep hold of it then we'll get the tries as alike we did in the second half. Heads up lads because you played better then. Alas! we'll never be respected as a rugby playing nation, until such time when we put this jinx to rest, by beating "New Zealand": .............................. Will I live long enough to see it I wonder.....sigh! ......................”
by bennyhill4
Sunday, November 25 2012, 9:52AM
“sorry to say but it was men agains boys. We had 5 players leave the field due to injuries 4 from legitimate hard tackles, they had none. Same against Argentina and Samoa, we seem to be very lightweight and fragile when playing against the southern hemisphere sides. Or is it our technique when tackling?”
by ourgrampa
Sunday, November 25 2012, 7:06AM
“Her I am again a weekend internet hero. What can be said Prestland all said before by me Referree will get a new car, house, and yaught again he delivered the secret law to enabel the Untouchable new Zealanders cheap shots off the ball play as always in their games go untouched ,noticed by three officials. .That said what a side they are and have no need to do that stuiff brilliant passing tactical not wasted accurate kiks(preistland take lessons) but this is another predictable result despite all the regular excuses for Wales some heart at least was shown but the expected onsloght was well planned and it worked remove the threat game over . Maybe another try at the Wallabies will see some honest results who refs who is selected at 10 and who recovers to play . good luck Wales . adelaide is warm but the game was hot .”