- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
New Zealand’s All Blacks overcame a significant challenge from Wales early in their Test match to eventually run out the winners by 18 points.
REPORT: ALL BLACKS HOLD OFF WALES TO WIN
Final score
New Zealand 39
Wales 21
WHAT’S NEXT? FOLLOW OUR WALLABIES VS ENGLAND LIVE BLOG
Can Wales win against the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time, or will their 63-year drought in all Tests against the world champions continue? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm (AEST).
The All Blacks have lost Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Conrad Smith, a combined total of 708 caps.
However the side still boasts a combined tally of 720 Test appearances, an average of 31 per player.
Kieran Read will captain the side for the ninth time and there are only two potential debutants named on the bench – Hurricanes loose forward Ardie Savea and Chiefs midfielder Seta Tamanivalu.
Tamanivalu could be a nightmare for a fatiguing defence, while Savea’s form in Super Rugby has been explosive and match-winning – he must be pressing hard for the 7 jersey. Has there been a loose-forward in New Zealand as skilful and dynamic as Savea since Michael Jones?
Elsewhere, Steve Hansen has stuck with the tried and tested. Aaron Cruden is recalled at first-five to for the first time in 19 months, Joe Moody is rewarded for a strong World Cup campaign, and regular back-up Luke Romano takes the place of the injured Sam Whitelock.
Julian Savea’s form will be under the microscope after an indifferent start to Super Rugby, while we wonder if Waisake Naholo can translate his imperious Super Rugby form to Test level.
Wales have made five changes from the side that lost to England last time out.
Captain Sam Warburton returns from injury to the starting XV, alongside Gethin Jenkins, Ken Owens, Bradley Davies and Jonathan Davies.
Uncapped flanker Ellis Jenkins is named on the bench.
Warburton leads a new-look back-row, alongside fellow British and Irish Lion Taulupe Faletau and 22-year-old flanker Ross Moriarty. The loss of Justin Tipuric isn’t timely.
In the front-row Jenkins and Owens bring plenty of experience and should challenge the All Blacks in the scrums, while lock Alun Wyn Jones will make his 100th appearance for Wales, becoming the country’s fifth centurion.
First-five Dan Biggar was a World Cup hero and will look to continue his ascent, while there is a reunion of Wales’ most capped centre partnership in the midfield with the classy Jamie Roberts lining up alongside Jonathan Davies.
The back three remains unchanged from the warm-up test against England, with George North and Hallam Amos occupying the wing berths and Liam Williams at fullback.
Former Chiefs and Blues player Gareth Anscombe will be keen to take the field at his former home Eden Park.
Warren Gatland has only won two out of 27 Tests against South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as Welsh coach.
New Zealand have won 27 out of 30 Tests against Wales, and haven’t lost at Eden Park at all since 1994.
Prediction
All Blacks by 10-15.
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.