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CARDIFF. — New Zealand returned to the top of the rugby world rankings with a seven-try demolition of a depleted Wales on Saturday.
Two tries from Beauden Barrett and further scores from TJ Perenara, Will Jordan, Dalton Papalii, Sevu Reece and Anton Lienert-Brown, plus 19 points from Jordie Barrett, sealed the 54-16 win.
Johnny Williams scored the only try for Wales, who were well beaten.
And captain Alun Wyn Jones and Ross Moriarty joined the hosts’ extensive injury list. Jones — earning his 149th Wales cap and passing former New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw’s record total for one country – was forced off in the 18th minute after tackling Jordie Barrett.
The injury was to Jones’ left shoulder — the same one he injured in the summer against Japan before recovering miraculously to lead the Lions in the three-Test series defeat against South Africa – and he was replaced here by Will Rowlands, with Jonathan Davies taking over the captaincy.
Defeat meant that Wales’ 68-year losing run against New Zealand continues.
Not many were expecting a first victory over the All Blacks since 1953 and New Zealand eased away in the final quarter with some sublime tries orchestrated by man-of-the-match Beauden Barrett in his 100th international.
New Zealand achieved their highest points total in Cardiff and equalled their highest winning margin in Wales.
Wales were missing 20 players, with British and Irish Lions Ken Owens, George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric, Dan Lydiate and Liam Williams absent through injury and Cardiff centre Willis Halaholo unavailable because of Covid-19.
Wales also did not have access to their England-based club players Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau, Nick Tompkins, Louis Rees-Zammit, Callum Sheedy, Thomas Young and Christ Tshiunza, with the match being staged outside World Rugby’s international window. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter