It wasn’t the result Wales hoped for, but it might have been the most promising performance they’ve delivered in a generation. On the Autumn Internationals Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales fell 52-26 to New Zealand — their 34th straight defeat against the All Blacks. The final whistle blew at 3:29 PM UTC on November 22, 2025, under a sealed roof to keep out the November drizzle. The scoreboard told one story. The effort told another.
A Team Rising, Not Just Falling
Steve Tandy’s Wales have been rebuilding since taking over from Warren Gatland, a tenure that ended with a long, bruising losing streak. But this wasn’t the same team that once folded under pressure. They came out firing. Tom Rogers, the Cardiff-born wing, became the first Welshman ever to score a hat-trick against New Zealand — a moment that sent the Principality Stadium into delirium at the 42nd minute after a brilliant team try sparked by Dafydd Jenkins’ chargedown. Louis Rees-Zammit, ever the showman, added a fourth Welsh try with his trademark sidestep in the corner. For 40 minutes, it felt like history might be rewritten.
But rugby, especially against New Zealand, doesn’t reward hope. It rewards execution. And when Wales lost Gareth Thomas and Plumtree to yellow cards within 15 minutes of each other, the All Blacks pounced. Sevu Reece scored twice in quick succession — at 59 and 70 minutes — turning a tight contest into a rout. Damian McKenzie, New Zealand’s fly-half, finished with 17 points: six conversions and a penalty. His boot was the steady hand in a storm of Welsh heart.
Defensive Cracks, But Not a Collapse
RugbyAnalyst’s post-match breakdown, published the same day, didn’t mince words: “Too many missed tackles.” Wales, statistically, allowed 11 line breaks — nearly double their average this autumn. But here’s the twist: they were also the first Welsh side since 2019 to force New Zealand into three try disallowances via TMO review. Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan’s efforts were ruled out — not because of poor play, but because of Welsh persistence.
“You could feel it,” said one longtime Cardiff fan, clutching his scarf as the crowd chanted “Wales! Wales!” even after the final whistle. “We’ve seen this movie before. But this time… we didn’t just sit back. We fought.”
Player ratings from Ruck confirmed the narrative. Joe Hawkins (7/10) and Tomos Williams (6.5/10) were praised for their decision-making. Rees-Zammit earned a 6 — not because he underperformed, but because his brilliance was drowned out by the scoreboard. Rhys Carre, at 3/10, bore the brunt of criticism for missed tackles in the front row. Yet even his struggles were framed differently than in past years — as growing pains, not failures.
The All Blacks Didn’t Take Them Lightly — They Just Were Better
Before the match, some pundits speculated New Zealand were resting stars. They weren’t. Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, and Caleb Clarke — all full internationals — played full 80 minutes. New Zealand’s gain-line dominance was clinical: 87% carry success rate, 27 offloads, and 14 clean breaks. They didn’t need to be flashy. They just needed to be relentless.
“They’re not taking us lightly,” said Tandy in his post-match presser. “They’re just better. And we’re learning how to compete with better.”
It’s worth noting: this was New Zealand’s third consecutive 50+ point outing in Cardiff. Their last three visits here have ended 53-21, 51-17, and now 52-26. The pattern is clear: Wales can score. But they can’t yet stop.
What This Means for the Future
Wales’ 26 points were their highest against New Zealand since 2017. Their 2025 autumn campaign began with a loss to Australia, then a historic win over Japan — their first since 2021. Now, they’ve pushed the All Blacks harder than any Welsh side in over a decade. The gap isn’t closing overnight. But it’s closing.
Meanwhile, England’s next fixture looms. Head coach Steve Borthwick is pushing his squad to become “the world’s fittest rugby team,” according to The Rugby Paper. If Wales’ performance is any indicator, fitness alone won’t cut it. You need structure, discipline, and belief — all things Tandy is slowly building.
The Long Road Ahead
Wales haven’t beaten New Zealand since 2007. That’s 18 years. Thirty-four matches. A generation of players raised on the idea that beating the All Blacks is a fantasy. But Saturday wasn’t fantasy. It was progress.
Tom Rogers didn’t just score three tries. He showed a young Welsh team that they can score on the best. Louis Rees-Zammit didn’t just run past defenders — he reminded everyone what Welsh flair still looks like. And Steve Tandy? He didn’t win. But he made it feel like a win was possible.
That’s how revolutions start. Not with trophies. But with belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Tom Rogers’ hat-trick against New Zealand?
Tom Rogers became the first Welsh player in history to score a hat-trick against New Zealand, breaking a 118-year record. The previous closest was a two-try haul by Shane Williams in 2008. His performance, under immense pressure, signals a potential new era for Welsh backline talent — especially with his club, Cardiff Rugby, already showing signs of growth under new coaching.
Why did Wales lose despite scoring 26 points?
Wales’ 26 points were their highest against New Zealand since 2017, but defensive errors — particularly 11 missed tackles and two yellow cards — allowed New Zealand to score five tries in the final 30 minutes. New Zealand’s set-piece dominance and Damian McKenzie’s kicking precision turned Welsh momentum into points for the visitors. It wasn’t a lack of effort — it was a lack of consistency under pressure.
Is Steve Tandy’s rebuilding plan working?
Yes, by all measurable indicators. Wales’ win over Japan the week before was their first since 2021. Against New Zealand, they outscored them in the first half, held them to fewer penalties than in previous matches, and forced three TMO reviews. Player development, especially among under-25s like Joe Hawkins and Dafydd Jenkins, suggests Tandy is laying the foundation for a competitive team by 2027 Rugby World Cup.
What role did the closed roof at Principality Stadium play?
The closed roof eliminated weather variables — no wind, no rain — creating ideal kicking conditions. This favored New Zealand’s precision game and Damian McKenzie’s boot. Historically, Cardiff’s wet conditions have disrupted All Blacks rhythm. This time, the environment played into their strengths, making their high-tempo attack even more lethal.
How does this loss compare to past Wales vs. New Zealand matches?
Unlike the 60-3 losses of 2018 or the 41-10 drubbings of 2021, this was a tactical battle. Wales led 14-13 at one point in the first half — their first lead against New Zealand since 2017. The 26-point margin is the narrowest since 2019 (31-24). The fact that Wales scored four tries — the most since 2010 — shows the team’s attacking evolution, even if the defense still lags.
What’s next for Wales and New Zealand?
Wales face Fiji in their final Autumn Nations Series match on November 29, 2025, at Principality Stadium — a chance to cap a promising campaign with a win. New Zealand travel to Dublin to face Ireland on November 23, where they’ll look to extend their 11-match winning streak in Europe. Both teams are using this series as preparation for the 2027 World Cup, making every game a litmus test.
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