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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Harry Latham-Coyle and Luke Baker

Wales v New Zealand live: All Blacks surge to victory despite spirited performance from hosts

Wales (Organization) New Zealand Steve Tandy the All Blacks Harry LathamCoyle Jarrod Evans Cardiff (Geopolitical Entity) Japan

A valiant Wales faded to a 52-26 defeat to New Zealand as their search for a first win over the All Blacks continues.

Steve Tandy’s side had secured their first win under the head coach against Japan last week, and there was plenty in this performance to encourage him as the hosts managed to match their vaunted visitors for long periods. A hat-trick from Tom Rogers - the first by a Welshman against the All Blacks - kept the home side in touch just after half time and Louis Rees-Zammit also added a spectacular score late on with a fine finish in the corner.

As expected, though, a side still searching for optimism after the long losing run that brought an end to Warren Gatland’s tenure could not stay with their opponents. Though New Zealand had two tries disallowed by the television match official, wings Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece each helped themselves to a brace as the All Blacks hit 50 and finished a mixed year with a win.

Follow all of the latest from the Quilter Nations Series clash with our live blog below:

Wales vs New Zealand live

  • New Zealand beat Wales 52-26 in Cardiff
  • Promising display from Wales, and Tom Rogers got a historic hat-trick, but they have still not beaten the All Blacks since 1953
  • 71' - TRY! Reece jinks past Evans for his second try (WAL 21-45 NZL)
  • 60' - TRY! Reece takes advantage of the overlap to score (WAL 21-38 NZL)
  • 52' - TRY! Ioane stretches out to successfully ground the ball (WAL 21-31 NZL)
  • 43' - TRY! Rogers becomes the first Wales player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand (WAL 21-24 NZL)
  • 34' - TRY! Rogers scores his second try in the corner (WAL 14-17 NZL)
  • 30' - TRY! Love brilliantly scythes through the defence after a missed tack;e (WAL 7-17 NZL)

Dewi Lake: 'Wales took a big step forward'

18:50 , Luke Baker

Wales skipper Dewi Lake was impressive once again and he was pretty happy with how his side went when discussing their triumph after the match

Speaking to S4C, Lake said: “It was a big step forward for us. We spoke about it in the week as a group, how to improve.

“It worked for 60 to 65 minutes, but we gave New Zealand too many opportunities in our own 22.

“We’ve spoken a lot about the chance to make history this week. It didn't happen but we did a lot better than anyone predicted us to.

“I’m immensely proud of the boys and the effort they put in. Discipline is still an issue that needs resolving, we gave them too many opportunities which you can't do against a team like that.”

(Nigel French/PA Wire)

Dan Biggar discusses Wales's development

18:34 , Luke Baker

So what of Wales? Today was probably about the best they could have hoped for and they certainly showed flashes of potential for the future.

Dan Biggar discussed their development after the match

Spirited Wales go down fighting but wait for win over All Blacks goes on

18:16 , Luke Baker

Tom Rogers became the first Wales player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand as the All Blacks maintained their dominance in the fixture with a 52-26 victory in Cardiff.

New Zealand crossed seven times as Caleb Clarke and Sevu Recce bagged braces, with tries for Ruben Love, Tamaiti Williams and Rieko Ioane and the boot of Damian McKenzie adding 17 points.

It extended New Zealand's winning run against Wales to 34 games - a sequence stretching back to 1953 - but the contest will be remembered as much for Rogers' historic treble.

Spirited Wales go down fighting but wait for win over All Blacks goes on

Relief for Robertson

18:01 , Luke Baker

There were probably few men more relieved at Principality Stadium today than Scott Robertson.

Pressure was building on the All Blacks coach, with suggestions that he would be sacked if Wales did the unthinkable and came up with a win.

But ‘Razor’ galvanised his side as they bounced back from last week’s chastening defeat to England in Twickenham – a third defeat in eight Tests that sparked plenty of soul searching – and ended their year on a high.

(Getty Images)

New Zealand beat Wales in Cardiff

17:45 , Luke Baker

An entertaining afternoon in Cardiff with both sides having plenty to take away from it

(AP)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

WATCH: Promising moments from Wales

17:30 , Luke Baker

They were ultimately comfortably beaten but Wales showed some promise and grabbed a few nice tries today

Wallace Sititi: 'We had a tough old week but we back ourselves every day'

17:20 , Luke Baker

All Blacks back-rower Wallace Sititi was named man of the match and spoke to TNT Sports after the win.

“We had a tough old week last week,” he said. “Didn't get what we wanted with the grand slam. It was important to have a performance our family could be proud of back home and we’re proud of ourselves.

“We’ll take that win against a tough Welsh team that showed up. Hope our family back home enjoyed that one.

“Wales are a strong outfit. When a team plays us, they bring their best and they fronted up there. We’re happy to bring it home in the end.

Response to criticism? “Bring it on. If they want to criticise us, fair play to them, they’re entitled to their opinion. We believe in what we’re doing here and we believe we’re building well. We back ourselves every day, if you don't want to be there, don't be there, but we’re gonna back ourselves and put in a performance we’re proud of. We work hard for each other, work hard for our family, go out there to try our best no matter what.”

FULL-TIME! Wales 26-52 New Zealand

17:06 , Luke Baker

All over in Cardiff. Some promising signs for a young Wales side, who threw some punches today.

But the All Blacks bounce back from defeat to England and take a victory that was never really in doubt. Entertaining fare in Cardiff.

And Tom Rogers becomes the first Wales player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand. Not bad!

(Getty Images)

Wales 26-52 New Zealand, 80+1 mins

17:03 , Luke Baker

Wales with one final attack and Rees-Zammit surges to within a couple of metres of the line. But it’s turned over a few phases later. That will be that.

TRY! Wales 26-52 NEW ZEALAND (Caleb Clarke, 80 mins)

17:02 , Luke Baker

But that’s the main issue for Wales. Their defence has been shredded at points by the All Blacks and it happens again.

Reece gets outside Joe Hawkins, who misses the tackle, and glides through the gap. Ball out to Ioane who completes the two on one with a pass to Caleb Clarke for the simple run-in.

Wales 26-45 New Zealand, 79 mins

17:00 , Luke Baker

This is now the most points Wales have scored against New Zealand in Cardiff.

They never really looked like winning today but plenty of positives for a young Wales side, I’d say, especially in attack.

TRY! WALES 26-45 New Zealand (Louis Rees-Zammit, 77 mins)

16:59 , Luke Baker

DEFIANCE from Wales! They look to have stuttered but go wide to the right. Quick hands and Louis Rees-Zammit has half a yard of space on the right touchline.

He surges to the line and produces a spectacular one-handed dot down as he’s being tackled into touch. Class finish from the winger - it’s great for the game that he’s returned from the NFL.

Wales 21-45 New Zealand, 76 mins

16:57 , Luke Baker

Wales pressing for a consolation. They build from the lineout, then Lake and Morse will tough carries to five metres out. The crowd are urging them on... Eight phases done now.

Wales 21-45 New Zealand, 75 mins

16:56 , Luke Baker

News from the bunker and Plumtree’s sin-binning will remain just a yellow card. Hollie Davidson explains it’s a high degree of danger but mitigation because of the sudden drop from the ball-carrier.

Slightly fortunate perhaps, although it won’t affect anything in this game.

Now Alex Mann heads off for a HIA.

TRY! Wales 21-45 NEW ZEALAND (Sevu Reece, 71 mins)

16:53 , Luke Baker

Yep, there it is. Men over on the right, Jordan floats a pass out which bounces backwards so when Sevu Reece gets it, Jarrod Evans has come over to cover.

However, quick feet see Reece beat him in a phone box and scoot over the line. Sumptuous! Although Evans won't enjoy re-watching that in the review session on Monday...

Conversion added.

Wales 21-38 New Zealand, 69 mins

16:50 , Luke Baker

New Zealand nearly over in the left corner as Leicester Fainga’anuku gets close. The All Blacks within a couple of metres now though

SIN-BIN! Wales 21-38 New Zealand (Taine Plumtree, 68 mins)

16:49 , Luke Baker

Gareth Thomas about to come back on but Taine Plumtree is now headed for the sin-bin. He makes head contact in a tackle and could be lower, so it’s a straight yellow.

The bunker will review it to see if it needs upgrading to a 20-minute red. A low-ish degree of danger might be the only thing that saves him

Wales 21-38 New Zealand, 66 mins

16:44 , Luke Baker

Oh dear. Beard knocks the ball on after the lineout and the chance slips away for Wales.

Twenty tackles for debutant Deaves today, by the way. Good work-rate from the back row.

A couple of scrum resets sees more time leak off the clock - a scourge of rugby but Wales won’t mind in this instance. About 90 seconds until Thomas returns to the fray.

Wales 21-38 New Zealand, 63 mins

16:42 , Luke Baker

Rees-Zammit has his first real chance of the day to run with ball in hand and makes a good few metres, jinking past Clarke. Ioane penalised and Wales kick into the 22 for the lineout.

This is not only a good attacking platform but valuable time coming off the sin-bin clock.

TRY! Wales 21-38 NEW ZEALAND (Sevu Reece, 60 mins)

16:39 , Luke Baker

And Wales, inevitably, can’t hold out. The All Blacks keep coming relentlessly and eventually spread the ball right.

Through the hands, the ball doing the work and Sevu Reece has space to dive over in the right corner. Efficient.

Another unreal conversion from McKenzie out wide. He’s been absolutely stellar.

SIN-BIN! WALES 21-31 New Zealand (Gareth Thomas, 58 mins)

16:37 , Luke Baker

Holland with the carry to a couple of metres before Sititi and Leinert-Brown have a go.

Ball spread to the right where replacement Sevu Reece has a dart. Twelve phases and Wales defending manfully...

That reaches 17 phases before a penalty comes as Gareth Thomas is done for a no-arms tackle. The replacement prop heads to the sin-bin

Wales 21-31 New Zealand, 56 mins

16:34 , Luke Baker

Wales warned by Hollie Davidson that their next penalty will be a yellow card.

Subs have started trickling on now and the latest sees hat-trick hero Tom Rogers off as Nick Tompkins comes on.

Five-metre lineout for the ABs and a golden opportunity

Wales 21-31 New Zealand, 55 mins

16:32 , Luke Baker

The All Blacks are turning the screw now, winning penalties and getting themselves into the Welsh 22. It will be hard for the hosts from here.

(Getty Images)

TRY! Wales 21-31 NEW ZEALAND (Rieko Ioane, 52 mins)

16:31 , Luke Baker

This time, a TMO decision goes against Wales! Call on the field is no try but a review shows there’s nothing wrong with Rieko Ioane’s effort.

With a penalty advantage coming, McKenzie lofts a crossfield kick. It bounce when Jordan and a Welsh defender both jump but miss the ball and Ioane grabs it a couple of metres out. He lunges for the line and although ti appears he may knock on while stretching out over defenders, replays show the grounding is good. Then a superb conversion added by McKenzie

Wales 21-24 New Zealand, 51 mins

16:28 , Luke Baker

New Zealand come again - how long can Wales hold on for? It feels inevitable that the All Blacks will get over the line

NO TRY! Wales 21-24 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan 49 mins)

16:27 , Luke Baker

New Zealand kick to the corner and play from the lineout. It’s scrappy but Will Jordan picks up and heads towards the line, squeezing through tackles and dragging defenders over.

HOWEVER, TMO again to check the grounding... This takes an absolute age. The crowd are jeering.

But eventually, Hollie Davidson agrees that it WASN’T grounded, so again, the try is chalked off. Somehow Wales still only trail by three!

(AP)

NO TRY! Wales 21-24 NEW ZEALAND (Caleb Clarke, 47 mins)

16:23 , Luke Baker

But this has been the problem for Wales today. When they score, they immediately concede in response.

It’s too easy for New Zealand really as they pass down the line to the left and Caleb Clarke cuts back inside for the simple run-in.

HOWEVER, once the conversion is taken, the TMO buzzes in and wants referee Hollie Davidson to look at a potential knock-on on floor. She agrees that Du’Plessis Kirifi has fumbled it on the floor, so the try is chalked off. New Zealand penalty instead

Wales 21-24 New Zealand, 45 mins

16:16 , Luke Baker

The Principality is absolutely buzzing now. This has been a brilliant, much-needed 45 minutes for Welsh rugby.

Incidentally, Tom Rogers is the first Wales player in history to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks. Wow.

TRY! WALES 21-24 New Zealand (Tom Rogers, 43 mins)

16:15 , Luke Baker

HE’S ONLY GONE AND GOT A HAT-TRICK! What a day for Tom Rogers - he’ll never forget this.

It’s really good again by Wales in attack. They fling the ball left and Joe Hawkins with a glorious, flat miss pass to Max Llewellyn. He draws the man and pops to Rogers on the left flank.

He runs into the space ahead of him, cuts inside Love at the line and dives over! Conversion added and what a start to the second half!

(David Davies/PA Wire)

Wales 14-24 New Zealand, 42 mins

16:12 , Luke Baker

Good start by Wales as they batter away at the All Blacks, barrelling their way up to the 22.

KICK-OFF! Wales 14-24 New Zealand

16:12 , Luke Baker

Back underway in Cardiff. Can Wales build on a promising first half?

WATCH: First-half highlights

15:58 , Luke Baker

A thoroughly enjoyable opening 40 in Cardiff. Here’s the best of the action

HALF-TIME! Wales 14-24 New Zealand

15:55 , Luke Baker

And that’s the break. An entertaining first half and plenty of positives for Wales but they trail by 10 points.

You do wonder if New Zealand might pull away after the break but so far, so decent from the home side

(Getty Images)

Wales 14-24 New Zealand, 40 mins

15:54 , Luke Baker

That one feels like a hammer blow for Wales. Final minute before half-time now and I think both sides will jsut see this out.

TRY! Wales 14-24 NEW ZEALAND (Tamaiti Williams, 38 mins)

15:53 , Luke Baker

They do kick to the corner and then they score. The lineout sets them up five metres out and there’s no subtlety from five metres out.

The ball is popped to the biggest man on the field, 23-stone Tamaiti Williams and he barrels into Carre, pushes him and other Welshmen backwards before spinning off and stretching out for the score. Sometimes you’re just bigger and stronger than your opponent.

McKenzie adds the conversion and New Zealand restore their 10-point lead

Wales 14-17 New Zealand, 36 mins

15:49 , Luke Baker

Mistake from the kick-off as Plumtree knocks on and immediately gives New Zealand an attacking scrum.

They then knock on the door in the 22 before Llewellyn is caught offside for another All Black penalty. It looks like they may kick to the corner?

TRY! WALES 14-17 New Zealand (Tom Rogers, 34 mins)

15:48 , Luke Baker

And Tom Rogers has a second try! Clinical from Wales in the 22 - a second real chance and a second try.

Wales go over the top with the lineout to keep the All Blacks off kilter. When there’s a penalty advantage Tomos Williams pokes through and Murray slides to re-gather. The ball is fizzed left from there, Edwards, to Llewellyn, he sticks his man and one final pass to Rogers for the trot into the corner. Superb.

Edwards is kicking sublimely and nails the conversion from out wide. Back within three!

Wales 7-17 New Zealand, 32 mins

15:45 , Luke Baker

Wales have played fairly well but now trail by 10 points. They get a decent platform thanks to the kicking game though as New Zealand knock on and then the clearance kick barely makes the 22.

TRY! Wales 7-17 NEW ZEALAND (Ruben Love, 30 mins)

15:44 , Luke Baker

My word, that is class by Ruben Love! New Zealand on the 22 and Love throws a dummy to keep Deaves drifting wide and then cuts inside, shrugging off an attempted tackle by Carre before turning on the jets to scoot over the line.

One missed tackle and Wales are made to pay. An easy conversion for McKenzie and suddenly the lead is 10 points

Wales 7-10 New Zealand, 29 mins

15:41 , Luke Baker

Good work by Edwards to challenge in the air and win the ball. That aerial battle pendulum is starting to swing towards the red side over the past few minutes...

Sititi then charges with a full head of steam and gets towards the 22. Decent place to build from for the All Blacks.

Wales 7-10 New Zealand, 27 mins

15:39 , Luke Baker

All Blacks probe left and right, Ioane takes contact and drives his legs. But then a mistake! Big Tamaiti Williams knocks on in the tackle. Solid defence by the underdogs.

After an inevitable minute or so lost thanks to a scrum reset, Wales earn a free-kick. That goes down as a scrum-time win

(Getty Images)

Wales 7-10 New Zealand, 24 mins

15:36 , Luke Baker

Mann gives away the breakdown penalty and New Zealand use the platform to break down the left, Clarke juggles but surges into Welsh territory.

Mann again penalised for not rolling away. That’s a few penalties in a row for the hosts and referee Hollie Davidson warns skipper Dewi Lake that the next penalty will be a sin-binning. Pressure now for Wales with a lineout just outside the 22 and that warning ringing in their ears

WATCH: Teams trade early tries

15:34 , Luke Baker

Here’s the two tries we’ve had so far today.

Wales 7-10 New Zealand, 22 mins

15:33 , Luke Baker

Lineout is solid and this is a golden chance. Superb carry by Carre, arcing his run and barrelling to within a few metres of the line. BUT NO! He’s pinged for not releasing at the breakdown as Pasilio Tosi gets over the ball in some prop on prop action and the All Blacks survive.

Wales 7-10 New Zealand, 20 mins

15:32 , Luke Baker

This surface is super slick with all the moisture around. It’s not easy to handle when the ball bounces.

Wales face a lineout test on their own 22 and although that looked not the straightest to me, they get away with it - Lake finding the leaping Mann.

And Wales then win a penalty as New Zealand illegally sack the jumper. Then a booming kick from Edwards all the way to touch in the All Blacks 22. A field-flipper and the hosts have the lineout!

Wales 7-10 New Zealand, 17 mins

15:28 , Luke Baker

And the Welsh lineout malfunctions... Scott Barrett pinches the ball. Easy to be wise after the fact, and it was hardly a gimme, but should Wales have taken a shot at goal there?

Wales 7-10 New Zealand, 15 mins

15:27 , Luke Baker

This time Wales win a penalty as the All Blacks are pinged for not releasing on halfway. Good work by debutant Harri Deaves at the breakdown.

And Wales kick to the corner...

Here’s an idea of the mist hanging over the ground, by the way

(AP)

PENALTY! Wales 7-10 NEW ZEALAND (Damian McKenzie, 13 mins)

15:25 , Luke Baker

No mistake from Damian McKenzie and New Zealand are back on top

Wales 7-7 New Zealand, 12 mins

15:25 , Luke Baker

The Principality is buzzing after that Welsh response. Really promising stuff for Steve Tandy and his staff.

But they concede a penalty almost immediately and the All Blacks will kick for goal

TRY! WALES 7-7 New Zealand (Tom Rogers, 10 mins)

15:23 , Luke Baker

Well, well, well... Superb by Wales! After Rees-Zammit outjumps McKenzie to give Wales possession, they take full advantage.

Quick ball to the left, space out wide and Edwards flicks the ball out the back of his hand in the tackle to Tom Rogers, who cruises over the whitewash. Class stuff. Extras added and Wales back level

Wales 0-7 New Zealand, 9 mins

15:21 , Luke Baker

Great work in the air by Rees-Zammit to win a first aerial battle for Wales and give them a platform in the All Blacks half. Cardiff starts to rise as they flood left...

Wales 0-7 New Zealand, 7 mins

15:19 , Luke Baker

New Zealand immediately probing again down the left as Love surges into the Welsh half. They then grubber through but that’s good work from ex-Canterbury man Murray to collect, work his way inside Ratima and boot clear.

TRY! Wales 0-7 NEW ZEALAND (Caleb Clarke, 5 mins)

15:18 , Luke Baker

Well, that was too easy... After keeping the ball in the tight to weaken the defence, New Zealand spread the ball left to the backs.

Ioane with a good line to freeze Llewellyn, Love on the wraparound and then fizzes a flat pass to Caleb Clarke out wide for the simple run-in. Conversion added and the All Blacks are rolling

Wales 0-0 New Zealand, 4 mins

15:16 , Luke Baker

Holland claims he lineout and Parker keeps the legs churning to get New Zealand into the 22. Taukei’aho then does likewise to make a few more metres.

Wales 0-0 New Zealand, 3 mins

15:15 , Luke Baker

The first aerial test is passed by Damian McKenzie with Tom Rogers hunting. The All Blacks then run the phases from deep before an excellent box-kick from Ratima is claimed by a team-mate on halfway. Early signs are the aerial battle is going New Zealand’s way.

Assiratti pinged at the breakdown and the All Blacks kick up towards the 22, where they’ll have the lineout platform

KICK-OFF! Wales 0-0 New Zealand

15:12 , Luke Baker

And we’re underway in Cardiff. Simon Parker with the first carry of the day, up to his own 22 before the ball thumped clear. Game on!

Wales v New Zealand

15:09 , Luke Baker

New Zealand complete the haka. No particularly notable response from Wales, unlike their foes across the Bristol Channel last week.

I suppose it would be a hugely bold gambit to produce some sort of bespoke response when you’re such big underdogs...

Kick-off coming up next in Cardiff and there is a mist hanging very low in the sky, by the way.

Warm-ups complete in Cardiif

15:05 , Luke Baker

Warm-ups done and dusted at Principality Stadium, with the teams heading out on to the pitch for the anthems.

We’re not far from kick-off now

(David Davies/PA Wire)
(Getty Images)
(Action Images via Reuters)

'New Zealand are giving teams a sniff'

15:01 , Luke Baker

Sam Warburton and Dan Biggar discuss the current wobbles of the All Blacks ahead of today’s clash

Wales vs New Zealand match officials

14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s the experienced Hollie Davidson in the middle today, the Scot relatively fresh from overseeing a second Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham in September and continuing to take strides in the men’s game.

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Sco)

ARs: Andrea Piardi (Ita) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)

TMO: Ian Tempest (Eng)

FPRO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)

Hollie Davidson took charge of her second World Cup final in November (Getty Images)

Joe Hawkins returns to the fold

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s been a funny few years for Joe Hawkins, who looked a rising star of Welsh rugby ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup only to miss out on the tournament having agreed a move to Exeter. Two seasons at Sandy Park did not necessarily go brilliantly for the 23-year-old but he’s now back in Wales and back available, and has started the campaign in decent fettle at both fly half and inside centre with the Scarlets.

Steve Tandy - or, perhaps more pertinently, attack coach Matt Sherratt - clearly favours a second playmaker in that No 12 shirt, and Ben Thomas hasn’t necessarily taken his chances so far this November. It makes this a good opportunity for Hawkins to impress against a very experienced All Blacks midfield.

“We’ve been impressed with his versatility,” Tandy said. “He can play 10 and 12 and we feel he's that second pair of hands. He's trained really well over the last three weeks, so it's exciting for him to get an opportunity.”

Will Jordan continues chase for the All Blacks try record

14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Jordan snared another Test try last week against England, leaving the statistics in this piece about his chase of Doug Howlett and a New Zealand record already out of date. But it seems certain that Jordan will go past Howlett soon enough - and could Rieko Ioane, recalled today, yet climb the charts higher too?

Why Will Jordan can buck a strange trend and break All Blacks try record

Steve Tandy: Harri Deaves’ journey from roofer to facing All Blacks is inspiring

14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The fairy tale rise of flanker Harri Deaves from roofer to international rugby player will inspire a generation, says Wales head coach Steve Tandy.

Deaves worked as a roofer during his early days at Ospreys when trying to forge a career in professional rugby.

Many observers considered the 24-year-old from Pontyclun too small to make it in an era filled with giants, but Deaves has proven those doubters wrong since the days he drove his van to Ospreys training sessions.

Deaves would leave the training ground to spend afternoons working on roofs until his breakthrough came at the Swansea-based region.

Steve Tandy: Harri Deaves’ journey from roofer to facing All Blacks is inspiring

Team news - New Zealand

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s all change for the All Blacks as Scott Robertson selects a new-look New Zealand side. Only captain Scott Barrett, Simon Parker and Will Jordan retain their starting spots from the defeat to England, with the latter shifted out to the wing as he continues to chase Doug Howlett’s try record.

Damian McKenzie takes over from Beauden Barrett at fly half and Fabian Holland is able to return to partner the skipper in the second row after illness. Full-back Ruben Love will provide cover at No 10 if required.

New Zealand XV: 1 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 Pasilio Tosi; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Simon Parker, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8 Wallace Sititi; 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Damian McKenzie; 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Ruben Love.

Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Fletcher Newell, 18 George Bower, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Christian Lio-Willie; 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Sevu Reece.

Team news - Wales

14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Flanker Harri Deaves is handed a Wales debut with Alex Mann reverting to the blindside in a remodelled back row - Aaron Wainwright had originally been named at No 8 but is ruled out through injury, leading to a promotion for Taine Plumtree. Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti form the propping pair while centre Joe Hawkins is in line for a first appearance since the 2023 Six Nations in midfield.

With Josh Adams suspended following his sending off against Japan, Tom Rogers returns to the back three. Replacement hooker Brodie Coghlan is also primed for a first cap off the bench, and so is Morgan Morse, the beneficiary of Wainwright’s misfortune.

Wales XV: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Keiron Assiratti; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard; 6 Alex Mann, 7 Harri Deaves, 8 Taine Plumtree; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Dan Edwards; 11 Tom Rogers, 12 Joe Hawkins, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit; 15 Blair Murray.

Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 18 Gareth Thomas, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Morgan Morse; 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Nick Tompkins.

Joe Hawkins is back in the Wales side (PA Wire)

Can Steve Tandy bring back Welsh hope?

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The truth is that victory is, barring something seismic, beyond Wales today - instead, it will be about taking more steps in the right direction and instilling a bit of hope among a Cardiff faithful that have been a little short of optimism of late. These could be a tricky two weeks with the Springboks to come next Saturday but a positive performance here would give Steve Tandy something to take into the Six Nations.

Steve Tandy faces a tough two weeks as Wales head coach (PA Wire)

Wales boss Steve Tandy insists All Blacks aura still exists

13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another high-profile defeat has led to continuing discussion over the All Blacks’ aura, or lack thereof, but Steve Tandy knows his side will have to overcome a mental battle if they are to win this fixture for the first time in more than 70 years.

New Zealand are ranked second in the world and Wales 12th, with the All Blacks rattling up 33 consecutive wins in this fixture - a sequence stretching back to 1953.

"I wouldn't say there's intimidation, there's massive respect and understanding what they are going to bring and what we are going to bring," Tandy said of the sizeable task facing Wales.

"There's always that aura around the All Blacks, but ultimately our boys have got their own mindset on how they go and attack the game.

"There's a sense of excitement to go and test yourself against the best in the world.

"That's the depth they've got. We've lost a lot of senior figures over a few years, but the only way to gain that is by experiencing it and going there.”

Wales have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953 (Getty Images)

Autumn internationals 2025: Results, fixtures and schedule in full

13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sadly, the Nations Championship’s introduction means the end of the Quilter Nations Series is nigh - at least until 2029, when it is likely to return during an off-year for the new tournament. Here are all of the results and the handful of remaining fixtures this November.

Autumn internationals 2025: Results, fixtures and schedule in full

What is the Nations Championship? Rugby’s new-look north vs south competition

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This week, meanwhile, brought news of the new Nations Championship, a competition that will reshape the July and November international windows in the men’s game. The announcement didn’t maybe include all of the details one might have hoped for - like, for example, venues, with Fiji understood to be “hosting” England in South Africa - but there are a few things confirmed, including a finals weekend at Twickenham this time next year.

What is the Nations Championship? Rugby’s new-look north vs south competition

Why Wales's win over Japan was so important

13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That win for Wales was pretty significant with the World Cup draw looming, with it likely to enough to keep them in the second band of qualifiers and thus with a more favourable fixture list once they arrive in Australia in two years’ time. Here’s everything you need to know about the draw, which is less than a fortnight away.

When is the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw? Date, time, qualified teams and how to watch

Jarrod Evans strikes at the last to give Wales crucial win over Japan

13:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For Wales, meanwhile, it was a case of take the win and move on as a pretty poor performance against Japan nonetheless resulted in a vital victory that Steve Tandy and his squad most certainly needed - and they had Jarrod Evans to thank.

Jarrod Evans strikes at the last to give Wales crucial win over Japan

New Zealand looking to bounce back from England defeat

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Let’s take a quick glance back at last week’s action, starting with that All Blacks defeat at Twickenham. Luke Baker was there:

Steve Borthwick’s gamble pays off as England outclass All Blacks in statement win

Wales vs New Zealand live

Friday 21 November 2025 08:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is more than 70 years since Wales last beat the All Blacks, a rivalry between two proud rugby nations always one sided even as fortunes have fluctuated. It feels unlikely that today is the day that run ends, but could a Welsh side at a low ebb spring an almighty shock against a wounded New Zealand team?

Kick off in Cardiff is at 3.10pm GMT.

Wales take on New Zealand in Cardiff (AFP/Getty)
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