Wales dare to dream before Barrett brace restores world order
WORLD CHAMPIONS New Zealand staged a storming second-half display to dash Wales’ hopes of claiming a famous victory at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales looked on their way to ending 61 years of hurt against New Zealand when they led 16-15 with only 11 minutes left, but fly-half Beauden Barrett’s try double either side of a Kieran Read touchdown gave the All Blacks a remarkable 26th successive victory in the fixture, winning by 18 points.
New Zealand claimed four touchdowns in 13 devastating minutes during the final quarter, and Wales were reduced to shellshocked bystanders.
Flanker Jerome Kaino and wing Julian Savea also scored for the visitors, with Wales replying through scrum-half Rhys Webb’s try and 11 points from the boot of full-back Leigh Halfpenny.
But they have still not beaten New Zealand since 1953, and they will need victory over South Africa next Saturday if they are to avoid another poor sequence of November Test results.
Wales made a solitary switch from the side narrowly beaten by Australia two weeks ago, with fit-again Jonathan Davies restored to midfield alongside Jamie Roberts, but New Zealand showed 12 changes following their victory over Scotland last Saturday for the final game of their European tour.
Both teams showed plenty of endeavour and intent, yet they were often undermined by poor handling and wayward passing during a fractured first half that ended with the score standing at 3-3, courtesy of penalties from Halfpenny and Barrett.
The second period was frenetic by comparison and there was wonderful passion and frequently staggering commitment on show from Wales, but that alone was nowhere near enough to thwart an All Blacks side that delivered rugby from the Gods exactly when they needed to.
The final scoreline was rough on Warren Gatland’s side, yet New Zealand once again reminded them of the standards that make Richie McCaw’s men a class apart as their skipper celebrated his 100th Test as captain.
However, when Halfpenny’s penalty made it 16-15 to Wales with just over 10 minutes remaining a packed Millennium Stadium dared to dream.
Yet, just two minutes later New Zealand responded through a Barrett solo score after he gathered his own kick ahead by gathering a kind bounce that foxed Halfpenny. Colin Slade converted, and New Zealand sealed the deal when Read charged down Phillips’ attempted clearance and Barrett scored again.