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The All Blacks have taken a win over Wales and claimed an uncatchable 2-0 win in their three-Test series with a 12-point victory at Eden Park on Saturday.
REPORT: ALL BLACK CLINCH SERIES
Final score
New Zealand 36
Wales 22
WHAT’S NEXT? FOLLOW OUR WALLABIES VS ENGLAND LIVE BLOG
Last weekend Wales achieved their best ever result against the All Blacks in New Zealand when they lost by 18 points. The visitors genuinely challenged the hosts for an hour, but can they be similarly competitive again? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm (AEST).
Wales were embarrassed 40-7 by the Chiefs midweek and face an All Blacks side that is unlikely to repeat several of the basic errors made in the first Test. However, captain Sam Warburton and second-rower Luke Charteris are the only players to retain their places from Tuesday’s rout in the Welsh side.
Wales have made two changes to their starting XV from the first Test. Charteris replaces Bradley Davies at lock and Rhys Patchell starts at full-back after George North’s injury, with Liam Williams moving to the wing.
The loss of North is a major setback given his outstanding display in Auckland. Williams will be looking to have another blinder.
Patchell has played twice previously in 2013. It is the first time Warren Gatland has selected a Scarlets’ back three.
On the bench, Bradley Davies takes Jake Ball’s place after the lock limped off the pitch in Hamilton.
Ellis Jenkins pulled out of the game against the Chiefs with a tight thigh but he has recovered to feature among the replacements.
Ross Moriarty was another late withdrawal at FMG Stadium due to soreness, but he too is on the bench in Wellington, as is Rhys Priestland who replaces the injured Kiwi-born Gareth Anscombe.
The All Blacks have made two changes from Eden Park. Julian Savea has been dropped after the worst performance of his career and is replaced by his roommate Israel Dagg. Dagg returns for the first time since 2014 and celebrates his 50th Test along with Ben Smith who is moved to the right wing. Waisake Naholo, who has scored a double in his last three games, shifts over to the left wing.
Sam Whitelock is recalled at lock for his 74th cap with Luke Romano dropped altogether.
Patrick Tuipulotu stays on the bench, a bench that had a major bearing on the game last weekend. Nathan Harris has scored two tries in two Tests, Ardie Savea added much energy and Seta Tamanivalu may get longer than six minutes.
Prediction
Wales will be better than what they were against the Chiefs, but it’s hard not to see a similar outcome to the first Test.
New Zealand by 15.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.