Full Breakdown
New Zealand Extends Dominance Over Wales in High-Scoring Encounter
11/22/2025, 9:32:52 PM
Match Overview
On November 22, 2025, New Zealand continued its long-standing dominance over Wales with a decisive 52-26 victory at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. This match marked the All Blacks' 72nd consecutive win against Wales, extending a streak that has lasted seven decades. The game featured seven tries from New Zealand, with wingers Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece each scoring two, while Wales showcased a spirited performance, scoring four tries, including a hat-trick from Tom Rogers.
Key Performances
New Zealand's attack was led by the efficient kicking of Damian McKenzie, who contributed 17 points from the tee, and the powerful runs of prop Tamaiti Williams. The All Blacks demonstrated their offensive prowess, racking up over 1,300 meters gained during the match. Despite the loss, Wales displayed significant improvement, particularly in their set-piece play and overall strategy, which frustrated the All Blacks at times.
Tom Rogers, stepping in for the suspended Josh Adams, made history by becoming the first Welshman to score a hat-trick against New Zealand. His performance, alongside strong contributions from Louis Rees-Zammit and Max Llewellyn, highlighted Wales' attacking potential. Captain Dewi Lake noted the match as a "big step forward" for the team, emphasizing their effort and resilience.
Tactical Analysis
Wales adopted a more aggressive approach, disrupting New Zealand's flow at the breakdown and matching them physically in the set-pieces. However, their indiscipline proved costly, with yellow cards issued to Gareth Thomas and Taine Plumtree, which allowed New Zealand to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Despite these setbacks, Wales managed to score the most points against New Zealand in Cardiff, showcasing their potential for growth.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the match, Dewi Lake expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We did a lot better than anyone predicted us to." Conversely, New Zealand's coach Scott Robertson praised his team's resilience, noting their ability to adapt after a challenging start.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive strides made by Wales, critics pointed out that conceding 52 points at home for the third time this year raises concerns about their defensive capabilities. The team's inability to maintain discipline under pressure was highlighted as a critical area needing improvement.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Wales will face the reigning world champions, South Africa, in their next match, which will serve as another test of their progress. Meanwhile, New Zealand will return home, reflecting on their successful year with ten wins in thirteen matches.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a big step forward for us,” — Dewi Lake, Wales Captain
- “We did a lot better than anyone predicted us to.” — Dewi Lake, Wales Captain
This match not only reinforced New Zealand's dominance but also highlighted Wales' potential for future success as they continue to develop their game.
