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Liam Williams (R) of Wales holds off Israel Dagg (L) of New Zealand during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
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A devastating first-half performance from New Zealand was enough to consign Wales to their third straight defeat at the Millennium Stadium.
The All Blacks showed just why they are the world's best side as they led 23-0 at half-time before eventually running out 33-10 winners.
Match Report:
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Liam Williams (R) of Wales is tackled by Israel Dagg.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
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All Blacks compound Wales' woes
Wales slumped to a sixth consecutive defeat after going down 33-10 to New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
Predictions the All Blacks' attack would incinerate Wales' defence came to fruition in the first half especially. However even though the scoreline may read otherwise, it was a much better effort from the Welsh - the second half especially.
Be that as it may, coach Warren Gatland must have been shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he contemplated another difficult week following the home side's previous November defeats.
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Kieran Read (R) of New Zealand powers his way past Justin Tipuric (C) and Toby Faletau (L) of Wales.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
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The hosts never threatened to end a 59-year drought at the hands of their southern hemisphere rivals, and their hopes were all but dashed by half-time when the clinical All Blacks put the result beyond doubt thanks to a 23-0 lead.
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It proved too big a mountain for Wales to climb in the second half, though - bouyed by their parochial crowd in full voice - showed plenty of character and determination to fight back and outscore the world champions two tries to nill. There were no fist-pumps, high fives or backslaps from New Zealand after the final whistle as they knew that were some way from their best after being held 10-10 after the break.
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New Zealand All Blacks centre Conrad Smith runs at the Wales defence.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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Man of the match: Aaron Cruden and Conrad Smith were the pick of the New Zealand backs, but it was difficult to overlook loose forward Richie McCaw - who was his usual industrious self - as our man of the match. He was immense, smashing bodies in defence and proving to be the Kiwis everywhere man.
Moment of the match: Wales' first try only served to spark the hosts into action, and from there on in the Welsh raised their game.
Villain of the match: Andrew Hore's cheap shot from behind will surely interest citing commissioner Mike Rafter.
New Zealand All Blacks forward Tony Woodcock rumbles in for the try.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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Julian Savea of the All Blacks fends off Alex Cuthbert of Wales.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Europe)
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Jonathan Davies (R) of Wales spills the ball under the challenge of Andrew Hore.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
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All Blacks triumph over Wales
By Gregor Paul in Cardiff
Evolution is the theme of the 2012 All Blacks and, for periods at least, they enhanced their offering in Cardiff this morning - playing as they did a game with more variation and a lethal edge.
They were, when they flowed, fast, sharp, accurate and more polished then they have been on this tour so far. Wales, Grand Slam champions, were splattered all over the Millennium Stadium in the first half. It could have been worse for them, much worse, but the All Blacks lost some sting later in the game, didn't have the venom they needed to make it one of those defeats from which Wales would have taken an age to recover.
A black bus was driven through them in that first 40 minutes and that left them battered, out of the game and hoping that as often happens when things are so clear-cut so early, that the All Blacks would come off the boil.
They got their wish - the All Blacks lost their rhythm after the break and much of their accuracy as well. Wales have to be credited for some of that - they got tighter, started to believe a bit more in themselves and showed some signs of life; some recognition they are a quality side.
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with video:
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Julian Savea of the All Blacks fends off Alex Cuthbert of Wales.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images Europe)
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Wales 10 New Zealand 33: match report
World champions New Zealand destroyed Wales with a Millennium Stadium masterclass tonight - but they also graphically displayed the ugly side of rugby.
The All Blacks stretched their unbeaten record to 20 Tests against all opponents and inflicted a 25th successive defeat on Wales, stretching back 59 years.
Tries by flanker Liam Messam, prop Tony Woodcock and lock Luke Romano, plus 18 points from an injured Dan Carter's deputy Aaron Cruden confirmed Wales' worst losing run since current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was in charge 10 years ago.
Wales claimed consolation tries by substitute Scott Williams and wing Alex Cuthbert, yet they lost three players injured inside the opening 20 minutes, including lock Bradley Davies, who was floored by a sickening act of foul play.
All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore punched Davies from behind, and although he escaped censure from erratic match referee Craig Joubert, citing commissioner Mike Rafter is likely to take a different view.
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Richie McCaw (R) of New Zealand runs at Leigh Halfpenny (L) of Wales.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
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Captain Richie McCaw had a dominant day in the loose and made some fearless breaks with the ball in hand. Again, the support from flanker Liam Messam and No.8 Kieran Read was consistently better than Wales could manage. Lock Luke Romano was strong in his running and his try was deserved reward.
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Richie McCaw (2R) of New Zealand powers through the challenge of Jonathan Davies (R), Leigh Halfpenny and Gethin Jenkins (L) of Wales during the International match between Wales and New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
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Richie McCaw (2R) of New Zealand powers through the challenge of Jonathan Davies (R), Leigh Halfpenny and Gethin Jenkins (L) of Wales.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
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The win extended Welsh misery to a 59-year losing streak while leaving New Zealand with the chance to complete an unbeaten 2012 if they can get past England in London next week.
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New Zealand All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg runs at the Wales defence.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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Wales wing Alex Cuthbert (l) dives in to score.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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Wales wing Alex Cuthbert (l) dives in to score despite the attentions of Israel Dagg.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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Wales wing Alex Cuthbert (l) is tackled by Israel Dagg during the International Match between Wales and New Zealand at Millennium Stadium on November 24, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
(November 23, 2012 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
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next test:
England v New Zealand
