In a tight first half Wales more than matched New Zealand in attacking flair and defensive bite, and it was the home side that drew first blood, an eighth minute penalty goal from Llanelli outside-half Stephen Jones. However the scores were levelled moments later when Kiwi No.10 Andrew Mehrtens slotted over his first penalty goal of the afternoon.
The Millennium Stadium erupted with noise after thirteen minutes after a loose ball on the halfway line was kicked upfield by Jones, setting up a race to the line between Jamie Robinson and Tana Umaga; the Cardiff player showing a clean pair of heels to the New Zealand centre to triumphantly score in the corner.
With that score the sense of belief that this was the day to beat the All Blacks could be felt all around the ground, Stephen Jones converted to give Wales a 10-3 advantage. However, as the pressure mounted, two penalties from Mehrtens pulled the visitors back into the game, giving Wales just a one-point advantage at the break.
The All Blacks came out after the interval with all guns blazing and soon, the momentum of the game was shifting in their favour, as their coach made some tactical changes.
Mehrtens scored 23 points in his side’s win and his experience was crucial in guiding the All Blacks to their first victory of this year’s tour, but the All Blacks; despite having five new caps in their starting XV showed their class, and that class began to tell in the second period.
The ever lively Doug Howlett tormented the Wales defence throughout, and when he broke clear, and exchanged passes with Regan King after 56 minutes to score, it was clear the All Blacks had stepped up a gear. Wales, under Steve Hansen, showed a resilience and determination, putting together an excellent spell of attacking rugby that resulted in a penalty try for Wales with five minutes remaining. That score made it 17-22 and the home fans again had a faint sniff of victory.Â
However, three late tries from man-of the-match Howlett, Kees Meeuws and Regan King in the dying minutes, put the result beyond doubt.
