Rogers’ hat-trick not enough: All Blacks beat Wales 52-26 in Cardiff

Tom Rogers made history by becoming the first Welsh player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand, although the All Blacks maintained their dominance with a 52-26 victory in Cardiff. New Zealand scored seven tries, with doubles from Caleb Clarke and Sevu Recce, as well as scores from Ruben Love, Tamaiti Williams and Rieko Ioane. Damian McKenzie contributed 17 points thanks to his effectiveness with the foot. This victory extends New Zealand’s winning streak against Wales to 34 matches, a sequence that dates back to 1953. However, the match will be remembered for Rogers’ historic performance. Louis Rees-Zammit added a late try for the Welsh, and Dan Edwards converted three attempts for the locals, who stayed in the fight, getting to be only 24-21 down at minute 50. The match also marked the test match debut of Harri Deaves, Ospreys player, who completed his journey from his job as a roofer. After being defeated by England at Twickenham, which meant the third defeat in eight matches and generated reflection in New Zealand rugby, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson made several changes to the team, including the absence of key figures such as Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett. The selection of Robertson generated accusations that New Zealand was underestimating Wales, but the scoring opened after five minutes.

The All Blacks’ forwards demonstrated their strength, and Love took advantage of the space to set up Clarke, who scored a converted try. Wales responded quickly, and Rogers, after receiving a pass from Edwards, scored a try that was converted. Hollie Davidson, the first woman to referee the All Blacks in a test match, penalized Taine Plumtree for an infringement, and a penalty from McKenzie gave New Zealand the lead. The penalty count against Wales began to increase, and New Zealand took advantage of the situation, with Love standing out in the game. Wales reacted with Tomos Williams, who, taking advantage of a penalty advantage, surprised the visitors with a clever chip.

Blair Murray recovered the loose ball, and Edwards along with Max Llewellyn assisted Rogers to score again. New Zealand closed the first half with a try by Williams, and McKenzie extended the lead to 24-14. Wales did not surrender, and Rogers secured his place in history at the beginning of the second half. Dafydd Jenkins blocked a launch and, after great work by Joe Hawkins and Llewellyn, Rogers scored his third try, the first hat-trick for Wales since the one achieved by Rees-Zammit against Georgia in the 2023 World Cup. The Principality Stadium went wild, although Clarke and Will Jordan’s tries were disallowed after review. New Zealand didn’t stop, and Ioane scored a try after a pass from McKenzie. The All Blacks took advantage of yellow cards to Gareth Thomas and Plumtree, with Recce scoring two quick tries and Clarke adding the final touch after Rees-Zammit scored a try in the corner.