As the crowd gathered in Cardiff for the rugby showdown, the Principality Stadium’s big screen took fans on a nostalgic journey, showcasing legendary moments from the annals of Welsh rugby history. These cherished clips featured the unforgettable voice of commentator Bill McLaren, stirring the emotions of those present.

The match announcer, buoyant with optimism, reminded the packed stadium of the rare occasions when Wales triumphed over the formidable All Blacks. Yet, those victories belong to a bygone era. Presently, Wales is no longer the dominant force it once was, having endured 34 consecutive defeats to New Zealand, a streak stretching back to 1953.

Given the historical context and Wales’ struggles in the post-pandemic era, the outcome was expected. However, Steve Tandy’s squad offered glimpses of promise and resilience. Among the highlights, wing Tom Rogers etched his name in the record books, becoming the first Welsh player to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks. Despite the inevitable result, Wales displayed commendable spirit and determination.

Adding to the historic nature of the match, referee Hollie Davidson made headlines as the first woman to officiate a game involving the All Blacks and a home nation. Her performance on the field was both groundbreaking and commendable, further enriching the day’s narrative.

Wing Tom Rogers became the first Welshman in history to score a hat-trick against New Zealand. Wales showed heart and desire, even if the final scoreline was never really in doubt. 

Referee Hollie Davidson became the first woman to officiate the All Blacks and indeed one of the home nations and did so impressively. 

Wales fell to a 52-26 defeat at the hands of New Zealand on a raucous evening in Cardiff

Tom Rogers became the first Welshman in history to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks

Even in defeat – their 34th straight against New Zealand – Steve Tandy’s side provided hope

New Zealand boss Scott Robertson had been a man under pressure going into this game on the back of his team’s heavy defeat by England. 

He made 12 changes in response. Wales might be struggling on the field these days. But Cardiff remains one of international rugby’s best venues. The home anthem – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – was sung A capella. 

The All Blacks’ haka was spot-lit and in the stands, supporters waved their phone flashlights. The pre-match entertainment was first class. 

So too was the New Zealand start. Wales were twice penalised for offside and All Blacks try machine Will Jordan, back on the wing here, beat Blair Murray in the air. 

Full-back Murray and No 8 Taine Plumtree were two former junior New Zealand internationals in the Welsh side. After Jordan ruled the skies, New Zealand spread the ball back left and the hulking Caleb Clarke finished with ease. 

You only had to compare the size of the two sides to see the task facing Wales. New Zealand were bigger, faster and stronger. The Welsh looked small by comparison, certainly up front. Wales coach Tandy has started with an unenviable task. 

But his team don’t lack for spirit. Murray did well to clear danger. And when Louis Rees-Zammit reclaimed a Tomos Williams box kick, it gave Wales momentum.

Through the phases Wales went, Dan Edwards’ silky offload sending Rogers to the line for his first. The roof nearly came off such was the explosion of noise. Dan Edwards cancelled out opposite number Damian McKenzie’s kick.

New Zealand boss Scott Robertson had been a man under pressure going into Saturday’s game

Louis Rees-Zammit provided Wales with a surge of momentum throughout the encounter

But a McKenzie penalty and a soft try conceded to Ruben Love put the All Blacks in control at 17-7. Rhys Carre missed the crucial tackle on Love. 

Wales kept going. 

Williams kicked cleverly, Murray reclaimed, and Rogers was the beneficiary for his second. For all of Wales’ heart, they conceded too many penalties with offside the main reason. And more weak defence allowed Tamaiti Williams to power over before the break. Wales might not have won. But for Rogers, this was dreamland. 

He made it an historic treble when the game resumed. But all the credit for the score had to go to Joe Hawkins. Back in the side at inside centre, Hawkins’ long ball cut out Love and put Max Llewellyn into space. 

Once again, it was Rogers who was on the end of things to finish it off. Clarke powered through more weak Wales tackling, but what would have been his second was ruled out for a knock-on. 

Jordan then went through the same experience, Davidson consulting TMO Ian Tempest extensively. The Welsh crowd were delirious with excitement at both scores being disallowed. 

But it was third time lucky for the All Blacks, Rieko Ioane collecting a cross kick, outmuscling Edwards, and finishing impressively. 

McKenzie’s kicking continued to be impressive. Treble hero Rogers then limped off with cramp, an issue which seems to be a recurring theme in his short Test career to date. New Zealand were far from their usual formidable selves.

New Zealand were far from their best but they did enough to overcome Tandy’s Welsh side

Sevu Reece scored two tries for New Zealand as they bounced back from last week’s defeat

They seemed to lack cohesion, perhaps no surprise given Robertson’s close to wholesale rotation. But when they needed to, the All Blacks pulled clear. 

Davidson had perhaps been lenient on Wales given their high penalty count, but in the 58th minute she rightly ran out of patience, sending replacement prop Gareth Thomas to the sin bin. Wales were always going to struggle a man light. 

And so it proved. Sevu Reece made it five for the All Blacks and then Tandy’s men went down to 13, Plumtree the next go for a high shot on Jordan. 

The result was predictable. Given more space in which to play, McKenzie pulled the strings, showing his passing is as good as his kicking from the tee. 

He set up Reece for a second. The touchline conversion was never in doubt. To their credit, Wales kept going. Rees-Zammit grabbed his second try in as many games with an outstanding dive into the corner and although Clarke rounded off the scoring, Wales’ fans could at least go home proud of their team. 

‘That was awesome,’ said one home fan as he departed. 

Neither were wrong. This is where Wales are at now. They have a long journey ahead of them to get back to the top. One hopes 

Neither were wrong. This is where Wales are at now. They have a long journey ahead of them to get back to the top. One hopes for the good of the game they’ll get there.