Wales vs New Zealand LIVE: Result and reaction from autumn international fixture today

Depleted Wales lost captain Alun Wyn Jones to injury and suffered a 32nd successive defeat against New Zealand as the All Blacks triumphed 54-16 in Cardiff.

Jones hurt the same shoulder that threatened to sideline him from this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa before he made a startling recovery and started all three Tests.

Flanker Ross Moriarty also departed early after Wales went into action without 20 players – including a number of Lions – due to injuries, illness and Gallagher Premiership-based personnel not being released by their clubs as the game fell outside World Rugby’s international window. None of that strife bothered New Zealand in extending a relentless winning run against Wales. They are unbeaten in the fixture since 1953.

Beauden Barrett’s try double, in his 100th Test, plus TJ Perenara, Will Jordan, Dalton Papalii, Sevu Reece and Anton Lienert-Brown touchdowns kept New Zealand in charge, while Jordie Barrett kicked 19 points.

Wales vs New Zealand

• Beauden Barrett races away to score early try

• TJ Perenara adds All Blacks’ second try

• HT: Wales 6-18 New Zealand

• Will Jordan steps through for New Zealand’s third try

• Dalton Papali’i and Sevu Reece put the All Blacks well clear with quickfire tries

• Beauden Barrett wraps up game with another late try

Saturday 30 October 2021 20:05 , Karl Matchett

Depleted Wales lost captain Alun Wyn Jones to injury and suffered a 32nd successive defeat against New Zealand as the All Blacks triumphed 54-16 in Cardiff

Jones hurt the same shoulder that threatened to sideline him from this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa before he made a startling recovery and started all three Tests.

Flanker Ross Moriarty also departed early after Wales went into action without 20 players – including a number of Lions – due to injuries, illness and Gallagher Premiership-based personnel not being released by their clubs as the game fell outside World Rugby’s international window.

New Zealand overpower depleted Wales with big win in Cardiff

Farewell!

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That just about does us for our coverage this evening. A brilliant late surge sealed a comfortable victory for New Zealand, extending Wales’ streak of defeats for at least another year.

We’ll be back tomorrow to see how New Zealand Women fare - the Black Ferns are playing their first Test in 26 months as they take on Simon Middleton’s England at Sandy Park in Exeter. The world number ones vs the world champions - blockbuster!

Do join us for that, but until then, do stay safe and well and thank you for joining us.

Next up!

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Seven days for Wales to dust themselves off and patch themselves up for another bruising battle with South Africa. They will be replenished by some of their England-based players but will Alun Wyn Jones be fit to win his 150th cap? You would think that Wayne Pivac will need his on-field leader against the might and mass of the Springboks.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are Rome-bound for another encounter with a team coached by a Kiwi - Kieran Crowley’s Italy are their opponents next week.

And here’s Wayne Pivac

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We are very happy with where we were at 28-16 with eighteen minutes to go, but the All Blacks made us pay for mistakes. We’ll learn a lot from that game. It’s another example of the small margins.

“A couple of intercepts don’t help. A silly penalty after we scored let them in. You are always going to have a look at some decisions but the officials come up with the decisions they come up with.

“I thought Taine Basham was excellent in the seven jersey, and I am sure there are some other individuals who put their hand up today.”

Jonathan Davies is next to face the microphone

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Credit to New Zealand - it shows why they are one of the best teams in the world,” the centre says of Wales’ defeat. “We were able to stay in it but the accuracy and the way they executed, they don’t let you get away with any mistakes.

“We know as a group the more time we spend together, the better we get, so we are looking forward to next week in front of this crowd. We’ve got to make sure we keep learning.”

Winning captain Sam Whitelock reflects on a fine All Blacks victory

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It felt like we had a great preparation this week. It has been amazing, even in our bubble - it’s been a great atmosphere. The boys lifted to it. I thought Beaudy and his little brother were awesome.

“I think if you look at Beaudy it shows the quality of the man. For him to put all of it to the side and put us on the front foot straight away it shows what he is like. That is why he has won 100 caps.

“We wanted to ramp it up a little bit in the second half. I took a couple of shots at goal because it was close. The Welsh boys were big and physical and there are a number of guys on both sides who have got bruised bodies - it was hard out there.”

Moments of magnificence from the All Blacks

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is a reasonably familiar script for New Zealand but they were simply outstanding in that final quarter. I think this might have been the pick of their scores - how about the control on that little pitching wedge from Jordie Barrett?

Beauden Barrett speaks to Amazon Prime

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I’m somewhat relieved it is over. It has been a tense week because of all the support that has rolled in. What a place to do it - the Welsh fans are hard to beat.

“We always had to work against a very good Welsh side. I am proud of our boys. We showed various ways we can play and adapted well to the yellow card.

“I just wanted to focus on playing well but tonight I’ll enjoy the boys’ company and thank everyone who has helped me. It is a very competitive team to be a part of and we all push each other.”

FT: Wales 16-54 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alun Wyn Jones has a chat with All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, no sling or apparent discomfort for the stricken Welsh lock - will he win cap 150 next week?

FULL TIME: WALES 16-54 NEW ZEALAND

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! Wales 16-54 NEW ZEALAND (Beauden Barrett try, 79 minutes)

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An interception try to start things, an interception try to finish!

To close a delicious taster menu, Beauden Barrett helps himself to a second gifted pleasurable morsel, snatching Johnny McNicholl’s loose offload out of the air on halfway and putting his foot down to push New Zealand beyond the half-century mark.

Brother Jordie strikes the right-hand upright with the final kick of the game but those last 15 minutes were an exhibition from the All Blacks, and they’ve blown Wales away.

Wales 16-49 New Zealand, 78 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Beauden Barrett is named the player of the match by the broadcaster, a fair enough call, though I would posit that there are plenty who feel he probably shouldn’t have been on for a full 80 minutes.

Wales 16-49 New Zealand, 76 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tupou Vaa’i now gets his moment in the open field, lolloping energetically with long strides and threatening to goose-step the last Welsh defender, just about dragged down at the top of one of his skyscraper thighs. New Zealand threaten to turn his offload into a score as Brad Weber bundles onwards, but Wales force a breakdown penalty.

Wales 16-49 New Zealand, 74 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Knocked on with the line in sight and what a shame for New Zealand! This was another piece of opulence with ball in hands, all offloading limbs and supporting bodies popping out of the air like heads of a hydra as the All Blacks kept the ball alive. Ardie Savea’s blind out-the-back pass was the standout moment of another passage of remarkable interplay but the ball eventually evades the grasping hands of the would-be scorer after Richie Mo’unga, now on the field, offloaded having been hauled back three metres short.

TRY! Wales 16-49 NEW ZEALAND (Anton Lienert-Brown try, 72 minutes)

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And the try comes! Wales are short of defenders out wide so try to force the issue with a hard blitz, but Beauden Barrett dummies and then lifts a clever floated pass for Rieko Ioane to rush on to.

Ioane finds Barrett the younger, who gives try-scoring responsibilities to Anton Lienert-Brown, who stoops to take the pass and slides to claim the five points. Jordie Barrett converts from the touchline and New Zealand are sniffing 50.

Wales 16-42 New Zealand, 71 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

New Zealand now set about beasting Wales around the fringes, all muscle and bustle with tight-in carriers, which will surely open space out wide...

Wales 16-42 New Zealand, 69 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That lovely New Zealand score robbed me of a chance to welcome Kirby Myhill to international rugby, but New Zealand do their best with their own special welcome, driving the replacement hooker back in the scrum on debut. No infringement, so just a reset.

Gareth Davies is very nearly snared as he tries to break from the base and a phase afterwards Akira Ioane gets his big mitts on the ball to steal it for New Zealand.

TRY! Wales 16-42 NEW ZEALAND (Sevu Reece try, 66 minutes)

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

WHAT A TRY FROM NEW ZEALAND!

Jordie Barrett produces a delicate chip, like a great golfer checking his approach perfectly on the putting surface and allowing Sevu Reece to latch on to the bouncing ball. Reece keeps the ball alive with a pass from the floor to Rieko Ioane, who returns the favour after Reece bounces back to his feet.

The replacement wing gives it to Ardie Savea, who pops it back inside for Reece to pick up the pieces and score a try of outstanding interplay and skill. Jordie Barrett adds two more to his tally from the tee.

TRY! Wales 16-35 NEW ZEALAND (Dalton Papali’i try, 64 minutes)

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A spin and a tumble but Dalton Papali’i is over! New Zealand misthrow the lineout slightly under Welsh pressure but their opposition’s decision to contest leaves them short at the tail.

Papali’i pivots and has the option of a pass to Ardie Savea but spots a sliver of space, surging through it and able to reach a long arm for the score. Jordie Barrett adds the extras and New Zealand re-extend their lead.

Wales 16-28 New Zealand, 63 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And he’ll direct the oval ball there once more as Wales infringe again.

Wales 16-28 New Zealand, 62 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s foolish from Wales, though, blocking a player looking to charge down a clearing kick and conceding a penalty on the edge of their own 22. The All Blacks introduce Sevu Reece on the wing, Brad Weber at scrum-half and an entirely new front row as Beauden Barrett punts for the corner.

TRY! WALES 16-28 New Zealand (Johnny Williams try, 61 minutes)

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A clever kick from Rhys Priestland and Johnny Williams slides over!

New Zealand collapse the maul so it is a free play for Wales, allowing them to assemble the chasers. Priestland feigns an attack of the line and then drops the ball onto his creative right toe, clipping the ball beyond the defensive line to a vacant space between the posts and punching the air as his inside centre wins the race to it. A simple conversion completes the job.

Wales 9-28 New Zealand, 60 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Before Wales can throw the lineout Brodie Retallick is going to be forced off, clutching an arm or shoulder and taking leave. Springy youngster Tupou Vaa’i is on.

Wales 9-28 New Zealand, 59 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ethan Blackadder returns the favour as Taine Basham darts from the base of a breakdown, the blindside meatily munching the Welshman, and two phases later a stray pass falls into All Blacks hands.

Wales counter attack after New Zealand clear and draw two penalties in quick succession - one for a late hit from Joe Moody. Not taking of the points this time - the Principality Stadium crowd roars its approval of a simple decision to go for the corner.

Wales 9-28 New Zealand, 57 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

You don’t see that too often from Brodie Retallick. The lock is in fine position to take the restart with a stable lift but lets it tumble from his right bicep. Wales have a scrum on the left about 25 metres out, and change their front row. They have to score in this movement, you’d say, to have any shot.

TRY! Wales 9-28 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan, 55 minutes)

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That is scandalous from Will Jordan! What a player!

It’s a loose kick from Tomos Williams and Jordan checks to assess his options, picking out Will Rowlands as the penultimate man on the chasing line. He sets the lock with a shimmy and then fades to his outside shoulder, out-pacing Rowland’s long stomping limbs and surging away.

He squares up the last defender and produces a perfectly weighted chip that falls beautifully into Jordan’s hands as he scores his 16th try in 11 New Zealand games. Jordie Barrett makes it a full seven-pointer.

Wales 9-21 New Zealand, 53 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Where’s Rieko Ioane going? Right through Welsh would-be tacklers! A brilliant run from the left-winger, weaving in and out and using a powerful fend to make 40 metres or so.

Wales just about reset and win a turnover after the All Blacks knock-on.

PENALTY! WALES 9-21 New Zealand (Rhys Priestland penalty, 52 minutes)

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Easily done by the veteran fly-half from just left of centre. Wales back to where they were at half-time.

Wales 6-21 New Zealand, 51 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back we will come for the original penalty as New Zealand force a Welsh infringement near their line. That was naughty footwork from Davies as he explored his options at the base.

Rhys Priestland will have his first shot at goal.

Wales 6-21 New Zealand, 50 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stolen, and cleared! Wales under-resource a ruck and New Zealand pilfer the ball, Beuaden Barrett clearing long.

Back come Wales! Owen Lane chips and re-gathers and advantage is coming as Gareth Davies jinks and jives down the left!

Wales 6-21 New Zealand, 48 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fumbled! Blackadder is asked to go forth off the top of the lineout in midfield but is lined up by Taine Basham, who thumps him with questionable legality, an apparently tucked shoulder not spotted by the officials and the knock-on he forced thus the sole decision made. Wales fans may argue one has finally gone their way. A good attacking chance this inside the New Zealand 22.

Wales 6-21 New Zealand, 47 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s Priestland’s first touch, a typically savvy little nudge down the left to force New Zealand to throw a lineout inside their own 22.

Nepo Laulala and Ethan Blackadder are making their way back on, though - the All Blacks survive the sin-binning for the concession of a net zero points.

PENALTY! Wales 6-21 New Zealand, 46 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is a proper hammer of a boot that the youngest Barrett has, and he’s right on the top of the nail from 40 metres or so on the left.

Wales take that as the cue to introduce Rhys Priestland - Gareth Anscombe’s evening is over as another returning fly-half makes his entrance.

Wales 6-18 New Zealand, 45 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two more kicks are swapped but Gareth Anscombe is pinged for holding on as he is swept to sea by a black wave that hits him as he comes to earth. Holding on, Jordie Barrett to go for goal...

Wales 6-18 New Zealand, 44 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Air Jordan! Wales launch the free kick for the heavens but Will Jordan takes it magnificently, propelling himself on with a crisp landing and scything between chasing Welsh bodies.

Five yards shy of the Welsh 22 he is finally hauled down but Beauden Barrett opts for a wasteful up-and-under of his own, comfortably claimed in the Welsh backfield, and marked.

Wales 6-18 New Zealand, 43 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Twice we reset with Wyn Jones gesticulating to one of the assistant referees his distaste for the manner in which Lomax is setting up for the engage.

And that gesticulating comes to fruition! At our third attempt Mathieu Raynal loses patience and free kicks the replacement tight head.

Wales 6-18 New Zealand, 42 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh no! Gareth Anscombe stays down after he clears after the scrum, landing awkwardly, but he is reasonably swiftly back on his feet as New Zealand prepare to set a scrum of their own after an unplayable ruck.

Tyrel Lomax is on with Nepo Laulala obviously unable to scrummage from the sidelines - Ethan Blackadder is more eagerly gazing on than his sin-binned teammate.

Wales 6-18 New Zealand, 41 minutes

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Jordan would make an excellent burglar. He’s scarily good at making himself unseen, nearly nicking the kick-off out of waiting Welsh hands as he times his leap perfectly but just knocking on in flight. Wales to set a scrum on their own 22.

KICK OFF!

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The second half is underway

Back out there

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The players have re-emerged. Also of concern for Wales will be those first-half injuries to an already depleted squad. The loss of Ross Moriarty leaves Wales down another back-rower, so often an area of remarkable strength, and Seb Davies will have to go 40 minutes away from his normal second row home.

Beauden Barrett has a chinwag with former Hurricanes teammate Ardie Savea as he prepares to kick-off. Nepo Laulala has re-taken his seat in the sin bin, folding his arms in frustration as he wraps himself further within a big coat. Here we go!

Beauden Barrett a lucky boy?

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yes. I’m not quite sure how Mathieu Raynal and Brian MacNeice convinced themselves not to show yellow to Barrett for that deliberate knock-on - the refereeing on that sort of decision has been incredibly consistent over the last few years.

Wales have to now capitalise on Nepo Laulala’s yellow card and the player advantage they will enjoy. New Zealand’s final-quarter dominance tends to mean an opponent has to be ahead of them at the hour-mark, which will be a big ask. For what it is worth, 18 points is the third most that Wales have conceded to the All Blacks in a home Test.

H/T: Wales 6-18 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scrappy enough stuff at the Principality. Wales have fought well but their set-piece has failed to give the stable platforms they probably need to convert territory in to more consistent points, and New Zealand have taken two try-scoring chances. Gareth Anscombe will be rueing that early gift for his former Under-20s teammate - perhaps just the antsy anticipation of being back out there in a Welsh jersey after so long.

Half-time: Wales 6-18 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anscombe makes the fairly straightforward kick and Wales do at least get some points on the board before the break. Still all to do in the second half after those tries by Barrett and Perenara.

Wales 3-18 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wales waste a lineout with a sloppy long throw. They come again after New Zealand kick long, and this time they take advantage, winning a penalty on the 22 after building pressure through 12 phases. Gareth Anscombe will kick this, and you feel Wales need these three points desperately in what is going to be the last moment of the half. Could they have gone for a try with a one-man advantage?

Yellow card!

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:07 , Lawrence Ostlere

39 min: Laulala is penalised for essentially headbutting Moriarty rather than tackling him, barely using his arms. The replay looks like a horrible jar to the neck and it’s no surprise Moriarty has required treatment. Laulala will spend 10 minutes in the sin-bin.

Wales 3-18 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 18:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

38 min: Wales build from a lineout, but they go nowhere and it’s brought back for a penalty to the Welsh at the set-piece. Another injury, though, this time to Ross Moriarty, and it looks like another forward is going off.

Try! Wales 3-18 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

It had been coming. New Zealand attack down the right and it’s TJ Perenara who gets the ball down over the line, celebrating passionately. Jordie Barrett fails to add the two, pulling his kick across the posts.

Wales 3-13 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

32 min: Both teams spill in contact in what is a bit of a scrappy conclusion to this half in the teeming rain. New Zealand get the put-in at the scrum, close to Wales’ 22.

Wales 3-13 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:54 , Lawrence Ostlere

29 min: Jordie Barrett finds touch from a penalty and from there New Zealand drive at the heart of the Wales defence. More huge pressure as Retallick and then Laulala carry into contact. But an All Black mistake at the breakdown five yards out gives away a penalty, and much-needed relief for the hosts.

Wales 3-13 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

Jordie Barrett knocks over the three points, though it could have been more.

Wales 3-10 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

24 min: New Zealand work through the phases and put huge pressure on the Wales tryline, with Perenara darting close and then Laulala squeezing in by the posts, but the TMO replay shows he spilled the ball forwards as he went to touch it down, and that’s a bit of a break for the Welsh. All the same, the play is brought back for a penalty and the All Blacks will have a simple kick.

Missed penalty! Wales 3-10 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

23 min: A bit scrappy from the All Blacks. Moments after Jordie Barrett misses a penalty, Beauden Barrett gets away with a senseless kick down the line which, luckily for him, hits a Wales body and squirts away for a New Zealand lineout.

Wales 3-10 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:40 , Lawrence Ostlere

19 min: This is a major blow for Wales – captain Alun Wyn Jones goes down in pain after attempting a tackle on Jordie Barrett, and it seems he has re-injured his shoulder. His match is over, and that could be the end of his autumn before it really began.

Penalty! Wales 3-10 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:38 , Lawrence Ostlere

Aaron Wainwright is penalised for not rolling away and that’s a penalty to New Zealand in a very inviting position. Jordie Barrett slots the points from 25 yards, central position. The seven-point lead is restored.

Wales vs New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:35 , Lawrence Ostlere

A look at that early try by Beaden Barrett:

Wales 3-7 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:34 , Lawrence Ostlere

16 min: A clever crossfield kick by Barrett to left wing Ioane, who kicks and runs, but Josh Adams is wise to it and gets back just in time to touch down over his own try line. Wales pinned back a little here.

Wales 3-7 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:32 , Lawrence Ostlere

13 min: We have the first scrum of the match, and New Zealand quickly use it from their own put in. But Wales pressure brilliantly in the following move and and force an error – Wales put in this time, on the All Blacks 22.

Wales 3-7 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:29 , Lawrence Ostlere

11 min: Wales wanted a yellow card for Beauden Barrett there but it’s only a penalty, just inside their own half. A few questions asked to the referee but he’s not having any of it.

Wales 3-7 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:27 , Lawrence Ostlere

10 min: Anscombe spills in contact and New Zealand counter before kicking long and giving chase. Wales attempt to surge up the other end with McNicholl but his pass his intercepted, spilled, and the referee must now decide whether it was an accidental spill or a deliberate manoeuvre. TMO checking.

Penalty! Wales 3-7 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:24 , Lawrence Ostlere

Anscombe kicks well to settle some of those early nerves.

Try! Wales 0-7 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

Beauden Barrett anticipates Anscombe’s pass off a line-out and speeds through for the most simple of tries! A gift on his 100th cap. Younger brother Jordie kicks the conversion.

Wales 0-0 New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

2 min: An early penalty for New Zealand in the middle of the pitch, and Barrett kicks out around Wales’ 22.

Kick-off! Wales vs New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Under way at the Principality Stadium.

Wales vs New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 17:13 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here we go then. The Haka...

Wales vs New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 16:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Johnny Williams feels that Wales’ decades of defeat and disappointment against New Zealand will provide extra motivation in Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series opener. Wayne Pivac’s men face a Herculean task, with New Zealand arriving in Cardiff on the back of another Rugby Championship title triumph.

Asked if the history books provided extra motivation, Wales centre Williams said: “100 per cent. If you think about it, we could be the first group to go and beat them for almost 70 years. It is a huge, huge carrot at the end of the game to deliver the win.

“What that would do for the country during a lot of dark times recently, what that would do for the nation would be massive, and there is serious motivation to get the win. It would be amazing to do that. That history does of course mean something, and we have got to fix that.

“It is just about backing ourselves. It is not so much about what has been and the challenges we have got to face, it’s about this group of players and having a job to do on Saturday.

“We have got to win a game of rugby at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who it is against. We all know our roles, we are all aware what the occasion is, and we have all played enough rugby. It has just been about us and focusing on delivering on the weekend.”

Wales vs New Zealand: Line-ups

Saturday 30 October 2021 16:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wales: Johnny McNicholl; Owen Lane, Jonathan Davies, Johnny Williams, Josh Adams; Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Wyn Jones, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Ross Moriarty, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Kirby Myhill, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Will Rowlands, Seb Davies, Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland, Ben Thomas.

New Zealand: Jordie Barrett; Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane; Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock (capt), Ethan Blackadder, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Akira Ioane, Brad Weber, Richie Mo’unga, Sevu Reece.

On this day in 2015

Saturday 30 October 2021 16:43 , Lawrence Ostlere

New Zealand made sporting history at Twickenham on this day in 2015 after they beat Australia 34-17 to win the World Cup for a second-successive time.

The All Blacks were also the first side to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy on three occasions after retaining the crown they had won four years earlier.

A 16-3 half-time lead was soon extended before the Wallabies mounted a comeback but Dan Carter’s ice cool drop goal was followed by a penalty which established a comfortable lead that Beauden Barrett added to with a try at the death to make history.

Both Southern Hemisphere nations had to survive tight knock-out matches to reach the showpiece event with Australia edging out Scotland 35-34 following a Twickenham thriller in the quarter-finals, while New Zealand narrowly battled past South Africa in the semi-finals by a two-point margin.

Nehe Milner-Skudder and Ma’a Nonu tries either side of half-time put the All Blacks in control after the opening 40 had contained some huge hits mixed in with flair and skill.

Australia mounted a terrific response when David Pocock and Tevita Kuridrani crossed over but Carter showed his class with some flawless kicking before replacement Barrett sprinted away onto Ben Smith’s kick to confirm New Zealand’s win.

Captain Richie McCaw retired a month later to bow out of union’s top table, having at the time played a world-record 148 Tests, winning 131 of them.

All Blacks’ Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Julian Savea and Carter were named in the 2015 World Cup dream team after the tournament had concluded.

Savea’s tally of eight tries equalled the most in a single World Cup, which was also matched by compatriot Jonah Lomu and South African Bryan Habana.

Wales vs New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 16:36 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac was without 20 players - including a number of British and Irish Lions - due to injuries, illness and Gallagher Premiership-based personnel not being released by their clubs as the game fell outside World Rugby’s international window.

Fly-half half Gareth Anscombe returned to Test rugby following an absence of more than two years after being sidelined by a major knee injury, while skipper Alun Wyn Jones won his 149th cap, overtaking New Zealander Richie McCaw’s record for one country.

The All Blacks, unbeaten since 1953 against Wales, saw fly-half Beauden Barrett reach a century of Test match appearances.

Depleted Wales faced a Herculean task as they tackled New Zealand in their Autumn Nations Series opener at a sold-out Principality Stadium.

Wales vs New Zealand

Saturday 30 October 2021 13:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Wales welcome New Zealand to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to kick-off their Autumn International campaign.

It is nearly seven decades since Wales last beat New Zealand, an infamous run of ignominy. Wayne Pivac’s side are particularly depleted for their encounter with an All Blacks side fresh from putting a ton on the USA last weekend, with an already lengthy injury list extended by Ken Owens’ withdrawal. Pivac has also been unable to pick any of his England-based players, with this encounter falling outside of the World Rugby stipulated window for autumn international fixtures.

New Zealand arrive in Cardiff with a typically outstanding squad, led by Sam Whitelock in the absence of Sam Cane and with Beauden Barrett chosen ahead of Richie Mo’unga at fly-half on his 100th cap. Barrett faces off against former New Zealand Under-20s team-mate Gareth Anscombe at ten, who has battled back from a serious injury and returns to international rugby against the country of his birth. For the first time in a long while due to the coronavirus pandemic a capacity crowd is expected at the Principality Stadium, where the roof will be open on a wet and wild autumn night as Wales look to break their long drought.