Key Highlights
- Wales lost 52-26 against New Zealand in a spirited but disappointing performance.
- New Zealand extended their winning run against Wales to 34 games, dating back to 1953.
- Despite the loss, Wales showed promising signs of an attacking identity and character under new coach Steve Tandy.
- Wales will face South Africa in Cardiff next weekend after New Zealand’s victory over them.
The Day Hope Was Ignited: Wales vs. New Zealand
How should Wales be judged after their 52-26 defeat to New Zealand at the Principality Stadium? The narrative post-match was as divided as it often is in Welsh rugby, with both hope and disappointment resonating among fans.
Encouraging Signs Amidst Defeat
The loss might have been a bitter pill for many Welsh supporters, but there were encouraging signs from Steve Tandy’s side. Wales scored four tries against the All Blacks, their second time managing that feat in a Test match against New Zealand. The team also displayed glimpses of an attacking identity with well-worked moves and a series of long passes from Joe Hawkins.
Wales captain Dewi Lake expressed optimism: “A lot of what we want to do and what we have been working on shone through,” he said. “We were physical and our attacking shape shone through.” His words echoed the belief that despite the defeat, the squad showed progress under new leadership.
Key Performances
New Zealand’s Caleb Clarke scored two tries against Wales, reinforcing their physical dominance. The All Blacks managed 1,362 metres from 167 carries, compared to Wales’ 593 from 77. Despite conceding more than 50 points for the third time in three games this November, Wales showed resilience and character.
Key players like Louis Rees-Zammit, Brodie Coghlan, Harri Deaves, and Morgan Morse impressed as they took their first international caps. Dafydd Jenkins also had one of his most productive games at Test level for a 22-year-old player, showcasing the depth in Welsh rugby.
South Africa Arrives: A Tough Test Ahead
Following the convincing defeat by New Zealand, Wales face South Africa next weekend. The Springboks ended their 13-year wait for victory against Ireland with a hard-fought 24-13 triumph, having also won against France and Italy on this tour.
A couple of hours after Wales’ latest loss, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) organized the match outside World Rugby’s international window to ensure non-Welsh based players were unavailable. The fixture is crucial for Wales as they prepare to face the world champions with a depleted squad due to club commitments in England and France.
While Wales might have lost 20 out of their last 22 Test matches, the day saw signs of improvement under Steve Tandy’s regime.
Fans will hope this optimism persists as Wales take on South Africa next weekend, knowing it will be a stern test given their recent victories over established teams.
As Wales prepare for their final Test match of the year against South Africa in Cardiff, the focus remains on building character and performance under new leadership. The team’s ability to compete with quality opposition offers hope that progress is being made despite the ongoing challenges.
