NEW ZEALAND POUNDED Wales with pace and intensity and a masterful performance by Beauden Barrett to sweep the three-Test series with a 46-6 victory in Dunedin this morning.
Barrett, in a rare promotion from his regular super-sub role to starting fly-half. commanded a relentless attacking game by the All Blacks as he seamlessly took over from the injured Aaron Cruden.
Source: All Blacks/YouTube
Wales started strongly, desperate to salvage something from a tough series against the world champions, but were effectively on the ropes after 10 minutes.
By half-time the All Blacks were ahead 18-6 and they piled on a further 28 points after the break.
Barrett finished with a personal total of 26 points from two tries, five conversions and two penalties.
Ben Smith, George Moala, Dane Coles. Israel Dagg also scored for the All Blacks.
Wales were unable to cross the All Blacks line with their points courtesy of two Dan Biggar penalties.
With the All Blacks convincingly winning the first two Tests, coach Steve Hansen used the dead rubber to tinker with combinations in what proved to be a smooth transition.
It should have benefitted Wales who were surprised in particular at the naming of Moala at centre but instead Moala and debutants Elliot Dixon and replacement Liam Squire played like seasoned veterans.
Ben Smith finished superbly. Source: Photosport/John Davidson/INPHO
The overwhelming scoreline extended New Zealand’s domination over Wales to 29 consecutive Tests since they last lost 63 years ago, and stretched New Zealand’s unbeaten run against all sides on home soil to 41 matches.
Wales controlled the game at the start. They sent a high kick to Julian Savea, which the recalled wing dropped, drove over the rucks to claim turnovers and had first points on the board with a Biggar penalty.
But when the All Blacks settled the momentum shifted and the world champions began to camp for increasingly long periods in Welsh territory.