Wales' hopes of staging a major upset against South Africa were dashed by the Springboks, who proved to be a power house in Cardiff. The All Blacks dominated Wales 37-15, with Damian McKenzie adding 17 points for the visitors.
Wales, without 13 players who play club rugby in England and France, struggled to contain the physicality of New Zealand's attack. Caleb Clarke and Wallace Sititi were instrumental in breaking through the home defense, while Damian McKenzie's kicking was clinical as he added to his tally of points against Wales.
The defeat has left Wales with a daunting task ahead of their next match against world champions South Africa. With 13 players unavailable for the fixture due to club commitments, Wales will be severely weakened. The game has been scheduled outside of World Rugby's international window for financial reasons, but clashes with United Rugby Championship (URC) games mean that no other international matches are being staged.
Wales' discipline was also a major issue against New Zealand. The visitors made 223 tackles to just 85 from Wales, while the All Blacks managed 1,362 meters from 167 carries compared to 593 for Wales.
The loss to New Zealand has left Wales with some tough questions ahead of their next match against South Africa. Can they build on Saturday's effort and contain a more potent attack? Or will they succumb to similar disciplinary issues and concede points at a high rate?
Wales have lost 20 out of the past 22 Test matches since the 2023 World Cup, but Saturday's efforts emphasized why you cannot question the character of this squad. Despite losing badly, Wales showed that they can compete with top teams, albeit without their full strength.
The Springboks arrive in Cardiff next weekend, and it is likely to be a tough ask for Wales to stem the tide against a world champion team who are looking to continue their winning form.
Wales, without 13 players who play club rugby in England and France, struggled to contain the physicality of New Zealand's attack. Caleb Clarke and Wallace Sititi were instrumental in breaking through the home defense, while Damian McKenzie's kicking was clinical as he added to his tally of points against Wales.
The defeat has left Wales with a daunting task ahead of their next match against world champions South Africa. With 13 players unavailable for the fixture due to club commitments, Wales will be severely weakened. The game has been scheduled outside of World Rugby's international window for financial reasons, but clashes with United Rugby Championship (URC) games mean that no other international matches are being staged.
Wales' discipline was also a major issue against New Zealand. The visitors made 223 tackles to just 85 from Wales, while the All Blacks managed 1,362 meters from 167 carries compared to 593 for Wales.
The loss to New Zealand has left Wales with some tough questions ahead of their next match against South Africa. Can they build on Saturday's effort and contain a more potent attack? Or will they succumb to similar disciplinary issues and concede points at a high rate?
Wales have lost 20 out of the past 22 Test matches since the 2023 World Cup, but Saturday's efforts emphasized why you cannot question the character of this squad. Despite losing badly, Wales showed that they can compete with top teams, albeit without their full strength.
The Springboks arrive in Cardiff next weekend, and it is likely to be a tough ask for Wales to stem the tide against a world champion team who are looking to continue their winning form.
. 13 players out = huge disadvantage 
. And can't believe they sched'd this game outside the international window 
. It's like they don't wanna give Wales a fair chance against SA. They're basically throwing it away 
. And discipline? Come on... those numbers are insane 
. But SA is gonna crush 'em again, unfortunately 
.
. Is it like soccer or something? But seriously, 37-15 is like, really one-sided right? And why do they have to play against the best team again? Can't they just take a break or something? 
I was watching with my friends and we were all rooting for Wales, but it's hard when you're not even used to it 
.
. They were up against a power house in New Zealand and still managed to compete for most of it. Those 13 players out with club commitments is huge blow tho 
. They'll be fighting an uphill battle against South Africa next, especially since they've gotta play them on the back foot with no international window 
.
. The stats are crazy - 223 tackles for New Zealand, just 85 for Wales? That's not just about physicality, but also about mental toughness and focus 
.
. They might not win the next game, but if they keep showing heart like this, they've got a chance to cause some upsets in the future 
.
. Not exactly ideal circumstances for building momentum... The only good thing is that Wales showed some heart, but let's be real, it was still a thrashing 
. I'm gonna say they get destroyed next weekend, 50-0 
. I'm proud of those lads, though - we gave it our all out there. It's tough when you're playing with a bunch of guys who are away on club rugby, but I think we showed some heart 
. We can't keep making the same mistakes and expect to beat these top teams... 223 tackles to just 85 is just ridiculous 
. But I'm still hopeful we can give it a go and maybe even get a result 
.
they just got smashed by new zealand but you know what's even worse? being forced to play without like half your squad lol. 13 players out and it shows. they gotta regroup and figure out a way to contain those all blacks' physicality 
Those All Blacks must've been on fire 
.
. Fingers crossed for them against the Springboks next week 
. And yeah, I get it, the All Blacks are on fire, but that doesn't mean Wales can't pull off a win... they gotta step up their game and show some discipline, that's all 
Otherwise, it's gonna b another long & hard road ahead 