All Blacks Extend 34-Match Win Streak Against Wales with 52-26 Victory in Cardiff

On November 22, 2025, the New Zealand All Blacks crushed Wales 52-26 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, extending their unbeaten run against the Welsh to 34 straight matches — a streak that now spans over two decades. The final whistle ended not just a match, but a chapter in a decades-long rugby saga where Wales has never tasted victory over New Zealand. It was a night of historic individual performances, controversial calls, and a team in transition proving they can still dominate, even when reshuffled.

A Night of Firsts and Near-Misses

Tom Rogers made history. The Welsh winger became the first player from Wales to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks, crossing the line three times in the second half to keep his team within striking distance. His third try, a diving finish in the corner after a break by Louis Rees-Zammit, sparked a brief surge of hope in the home crowd. But hope doesn’t win Test matches against New Zealand. Not anymore.

The All Blacks, led by captain Scott Barrett, responded with surgical precision. Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece each bagged two tries — Clarke, back from injury after the Scotland match, looked electric, darting through gaps like a man possessed. Ruben Love, starting at fullback, added another try, while Tamaiti Williams and Will Jordan completed the scoring. Damian McKenzie slotted six conversions and a penalty, finishing with 18 points.

Controversy and Chaos in Cardiff

Referee Hollie Davidson had a night to remember — and not just for the whistle. Two All Blacks tries were overturned by TV match official Ian Tempest, including one where Davidson initially signaled a try before reviewing footage and reversing the call. "My onfield decision was try. However, the initial action is held up. So, it will be no try," she explained to the crowd, who booed loudly. The decision wasn’t just technical — it was psychological. Wales had been clawing back, and those two disallowed tries could’ve changed momentum.

NBC Sports noted the All Blacks’ "damage done up front," with their forwards winning the battle at the breakdown and holding onto the ball far longer than rugby’s rules allow. "They don’t just tackle — they smother," said commentator Drew Mitchell. "Wales gave everything, but they can’t compete with that level of physical persistence."

Wales Shows Glimmers — But Not Enough

Head coach Steve Tandy had promised a new era after his first win — against Japan the week before. And for 50 minutes, it looked like he might be right. Wales matched New Zealand in territory, in aggression, even in discipline. But when it came to finishing, execution, and composure under pressure, the gulf remained. "They offered some hope," wrote Steffan Thomas of Wales Online. "But hope doesn’t win championships. It doesn’t even win Test matches against the All Blacks." The Welsh lineup, described by RugbyPass as "struggling and understrength," included 10 players making their first Test start under Tandy. Their resilience was admirable — but their lack of depth showed. When New Zealand turned up the heat in the final 20 minutes, Wales had nothing left in the tank.

All Blacks: Rebuilding, Not Just Winning

This wasn’t the All Blacks’ strongest side. Scott Robertson, the head coach, rotated heavily, resting key players after a grueling Northern Tour. He gave minutes to Ruben Love, Leicester Fainga’anuku, and George Bell — all future candidates for the 2027 World Cup squad. "We needed to see what these guys could do under pressure," Robertson said post-match. "And honestly? They delivered." Love’s performance was mixed — a charged-down kick led to a Welsh try, but he also scored his own try and showed flashes of brilliance. "He’s got the feet," said one analyst. "He just needs to stop trying to do everything at once." The win marked the final match of New Zealand’s 2025 End of Year Tour. They finished 4-0, outscoring opponents 198-72. Robertson’s gamble on youth paid off. The team didn’t just win — they found depth.

What Comes Next?

Wales will face a tough winter, with the 2026 Six Nations looming. But there’s a glimmer: they’re no longer just being blown out. They’re competing. For the first time since 2019, they held New Zealand to under 60 points — and scored 26. That’s progress.

The All Blacks, meanwhile, head into the 2026 Rugby Championship with confidence. Wales will tour New Zealand in July 2026 — their best chance yet to break the streak. But history isn’t on their side. Not yet.