New Zealand vs. Wales: Score, Reaction from 2016 International Tour Test, Game 1
The new generation of New Zealand All Blacks showed the world why they’re still the best in the business courtesy of a stunning 39-21 victory over Wales at Eden Park.
Steve Hansen’s men trailed 18-15 at half-time, but they came rallying back in style to take a deserved 1-0 series lead.
The first half was enthralling, with New Zealand predictably doing all the early pressing. Wales were penned into their own half in the opening exchanges, and it wasn’t long before the All Blacks were on the board.
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Aaron Cruden, who was drafted in to replace the retired Dan Carter at fly-half, kicked over the posts to establish a 3-0 lead, but all that succeeded in doing was waking Wales up from their slumber.
And with just 11 minutes on the clock, Wales scored the first try of the day through Taulupe Faletau.
A flowing Wales move left Hallam Amos in space on the left side, and he timed his pass perfectly to Faletau, who had the simple task of dotting down.
Waisake Naholo needlessly dived in on Amos to gift Faletau some space, but you can take nothing away from the brilliance of the build-up.
Cruden then stamped his authority on the match with an inch-perfect try assist for Julian Savea, who gave the All Blacks the lead.
New Zealand journalist Veitchy commented on the fly-half’s excellent kick:
In the 19th minute, Naholo made amends for his earlier error with a well-taken try to make it 15-5, before Dan Biggar reduced arrears with two penalties.
The end-to-end rugby was incredible to watch, with both sets of players leaving everything on the field.
Wales were particularly impressive after their shaky start, and they got the reward their performance deserved just before half-time through the ever-impressive Liam Williams and Rhys Webb.
Williams cut New Zealand open with a moment of brilliance coming out of his own half, and he then had the presence of mind to send Webb over the line.
At the break, Wales held a precious 18-15 lead, and although they started the second half on the front foot, their joy was short-lived.
With 12 minutes remaining, Naholo chalked up his second try of the match.
Quick thinking from Aaron Smith played the Highlanders man in, and he showed incredible power to force his way over. BBC Sport’s Jonathan Davies commented on Naholo’s strength:
At 25-21, Wales were still very much in the match, but their hopes of taking a 1-0 series lead were all-but eliminated by All Blacks captain Kieran Read.
Patrick Tuipulotu retained the ball superbly just inside the Wales half before playing Read clean through to make sure of the victory. Nathan Harris just had time to get his name on the scoresheet and add further gloss to the result.
The 39-21 scoreline was a little harsh on Wales, who were clinical and professional in the first half, but the All Blacks’ class just shone through.
Naholo, Cruden and Tuipulotu stole the show, and they’ll be looking for repeat performances in the second Test on Saturday June 18 in Wellington.
Reaction
Following the match, Wales skipper Sam Warburton told BBC Sport that the scoreline didn't reflect the match at Eden Park and that Wales played well:
"The message was we couldn't come here and play safe and I thought some of our counter-attacking was excellent. We're really disappointed to concede seven at the end and make the scoreboard look a little bit ugly."
In the All Blacks camp, meanwhile, captain Read was full of praise for his side's second-half performance:
"It was what we expected. Wales were fired up and it was a reminder you've got to work hard. The boys had a really good attitude in the second half.
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