New Zealand 42 - 9 Wales: Wales suffer in farewell to House of Pain

FLY-HALF Daniel Carter scored 27 points in New Zealand's 42-9 victory over Wales in an emotionally charged match at Carisbrook yesterday. Carter scored two tries and slotted 17 points with his boot.

Keven Mealamu, Cory Jane and Richard Kahui also scored tries for the All Blacks, whose forwards were challenged in the first half but played at a higher tempo as their opponents wilted in the second half.

Wales flyhalf Stephen Jones slotted a drop-goal and a penalty, while Leigh Halfpenny converted a long-range penalty for the visitors, who have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953.

The match was the last test to be held at the ground, known by locals as "The House of Pain", with a new stadium being built in central Dunedin to be completed in time for the city's three World Cup matches next year.

Wales dominated the early exchanges but their only reward was from a Jones drop goal and a long-range penalty by Halfpenny.

The home side responded with a Melamu try after scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan had taken a quick tap penalty and laid the ball back for the hooker to drive over. Carter converted and added a penalty to give the home side a 10-6 lead before winger Cory Jane pounced on a loose ball to give the home side a 15-6 lead. Jones slotted another penalty to make it 15-9.

The All Blacks then dominated the second half. Carter scored his first try, which he sparked from 95 metres out as the All Blacks swept downfield after Joe Rokocoko's initial burst, before dotting down for another after he ran from 40 metres, continuously teasing defenders. Richard Kahui also took advantage of the tiring Welsh defence when he ran untouched for 45 metres.