Wales 10 - 33 New Zealand: Sour taste spoils All Black cruise

Published on 25/11/2012 01:06

World champions New Zealand destroyed Wales with a Millennium Stadium masterclass last night – but they also graphically displayed the ugly side of rugby.

The All Blacks stretched their unbeaten record to 20 Tests and inflicted a 25th successive defeat on Wales, stretching back 59 years.

Tries by flanker Liam Messam, prop Tony Woodcock and lock Luke Romano, plus 18 points from an injured Dan Carter’s deputy Aaron Cruden sealed Wales’ worst losing run since current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was in charge ten years ago.

Wales claimed consolation tries by substitute Scott Williams and wing Alex Cuthbert, yet they lost three players injured inside the opening 20 minutes, including lock Bradley Davies, who was floored by a sickening act of foul play.

All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore punched Davies from behind, and although he escaped censure from erratic match referee Craig Joubert, citing commissioner Mike Rafter is likely to take a 
different view.

Prop Aaron Jarvis (knee) and centre Jamie Roberts (hip) also made early exits, which contributed towards Wales being unable to remotely establish any momentum in a one-sided contest.

It was Wales’ heaviest home defeat since the All Blacks crushed them 41-3 seven years ago and head coach Warren Gatland could only look on as New Zealand at times showed devastating moments of class.