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All Black finish season on a high
By Online Editors
The All Blacks ended their long season with a 33-18 victory in Cardiff over Wales, sealed by three tries in the second half.
However, they only had a 12-11 lead at halftime after the Welsh enjoyed an 80 per cent possession advantage in the first 40 minutes.
Wales opened the scoring with a Leigh Halfpenny penalty, and successfully managed to deny the All Blacks any ball till the 15 minute mark. The first break by Aaron Smith was telling though, as he ran 30 metres upfield to link with Waisake Naholo for the opening try.
Naholo dotted down again in the 38th minute, but Wales hit back with a lovely try to Scott Williams just on the stroke of halftime.
Halfpenny couldn't convert but Wales would've headed to the sheds full of confidence. That was dashed by Anton Lienart-Brown in the 57th minute, who latched on to a Rieko Ioane break. Ioane then picked off Dan Biggar to make the score comfortable.
Replacement halfback Gareth Davies gave the Welsh some hope with a try soon after, but Ioane then burst through the defensive line off a scrum to seal victory for the All Blacks.
The All Blacks now head home for the summer, with a record of 13 wins, two losses and a draw for the year.
Meanwhile Wales should be buoyed by their showing in the first half going into the 6 Nations.
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Latest Comments
"Survive"? "Scare?" A bit dramatic. ABs always going to win, just a matter of by how much.
The Azurri were up for it though. As expected. You can bet they were planning for this specific test for months. Let's not forget they were pipped by ENG, drew with FRA, & beat both SCO & WAL in the Six Nations in Feb/Mar this year.
A mess of a match, good win, considering.
Go to commentsAfter you. And yes, that's exactly what Penney should do. Stat!! Unfortunately he has one year left on his contract.
Penney's Super Rugby win record was a low 23% before we signed him on. At the top was Razor at 84%. And true to form, Penney took us from a 7-peat to not even making the play-offs in ONE season. No excuses. LOSER. Thank God his contract is up next year. And hopefully Rangi might wanna throw his hat in for the job.
In the meantime, hopefully we can crack the top 6 this year in spite of Penney!??!
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