All Blacks prove too strong for Welsh

By Andrew Baldock
5/11/22

New Zealand continued their long reign of dominance over Wales by winning a one-sided Autumn Nations Series clash 55-23 in Cardiff.

The All Blacks made it 33 successive victories against their hosts, who have still not toppled New Zealand since December 1953.

Hooker Codie Taylor, scrum-half Aaron Smith and centre Jordie Barrett each scored two tries, while number eight Ardie Savea and replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho also touched down as New Zealand never lost control after building an early 17-point advantage.

Fly-half Richie Mo’unga added four conversions and a penalty, and Beauden Barrett booted two conversions, with the All Blacks proving ruthless in terms of gathering points when inside Wales’ 22.

Wales - who brought on Exeter Chiefs young forward Christ Tshiunza for his third Test cap - had their moments, notably tries from Test debutant Rio Dyer and skipper Justin Tipuric, with Gareth Anscombe kicking three penalties and two conversions.

But they could never get closer than six points behind the Rugby Championship title holders, even if it was not a vintage All Blacks display.

Wales need to regroup quickly, with Argentina and Australia among their remaining autumn opponents, after another performance that prospered at times, but they had nowhere near enough quality moments.

For New Zealand, it was the most points they have scored against Wales in Cardiff, eclipsing the 54 they racked up 12 months ago.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny’s hopes of a Test match return 16 months after suffering major knee ligament damage were thwarted by a hamstring injury.

Anscombe moved from fly-half to replace him, with Rhys Priestland starting in the number 10 shirt and uncapped Scarlets back Sam Costelow joining the replacements.

Smith made his 113th Test match appearance for New Zealand, moving above Dan Carter as the All Blacks’ most-capped back, while Sam Whitelock took over as captain from an injured Sam Cane.