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Can Wales finally beat the All Blacks?

By PA
Beauden Barrett (PA)

Wales kick off their Autumn Nations Series campaign when they tackle New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.

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While Wales claimed a first victory over the Springboks on South African soil four months ago, they have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points heading into the game.

Wales’ 69 years of hurt
Wales have not beaten New Zealand since toppling them 13-8 on December 19, 1953 in Cardiff. The subsequent 32 Tests between the countries have all gone one way, with New Zealand racking up more than 1,100 points in the process and winning 24 of those matches by 15 points or more. Wales and New Zealand have faced each other at 11 different venues – Cardiff, Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Johannesburg, London, Hamilton, Sydney, Dunedin, Wellington and Tokyo – and only once in the professional era have Wales gone close, losing 26-25 in Cardiff 18 years ago.

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So what else happened in 1953?
It was a year momentous for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, while Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Tony Blair was born, Joseph Stalin died and Dwight D Eisenhower was inaugurated as the United States’ 34th president. On a sporting front, Blackpool won the FA Cup after beating Bolton in the so-called Matthews Final, named after Blackpool winger Stanley Matthews, England lost 6-3 to Hungary at Wembley, Ben Hogan won The Open and Fred Davis beat Walter Donaldson 37-34 in a best of 71 frames world snooker final.

Which New Zealand team will turn up?
It is not a question that normally accompanies the All Blacks, but 2022 has been a rollercoaster year. It started with two home defeats against Ireland as Andy Farrell’s team claimed an historic 2-1 series triumph, then New Zealand opened their Rugby Championship campaign by losing comprehensively to South Africa. A home defeat followed against Argentina, pressure grew on head coach Ian Foster and New Zealand dropped to fourth in World Rugby’s official rankings, but they responded by winning an eighth Rugby Championship title. Wales, Scotland and England now await.

Welsh wing wizards
When it comes to strike-power, Wales have two of the most destructive finishers in British rugby at their disposal. Gloucester speedster Louis Rees-Zammit has delivered world-class displays in the Gallagher Premiership, while Test debutant Rio Dyer has shone for the Dragons. They have a combined age of just 43, but both players are box-office material, and if Wales can secure them enough quality possession then expect fireworks.

Referee Wayne Barnes joins 100-club
Englishman Barnes will become only the second referee in rugby union history to control 100 Test matches when he takes charge of Saturday’s clash. The 43-year-old follows Wales’ Nigel Owens, who reached the landmark two years ago. Barnes’ first international appointment arrived in 2006, having become a professional referee a year earlier. Barnes, a practising barrister who was born in the Forest of Dean, has officiated at the last four World Cup tournaments and also controlled more than 250 English Premiership games.

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S
SK 39 minutes ago
How can Scott Robertson revive the All Blacks’ playmaking ‘triple threat’?

Who are the best Full backs in the world right now? Ramos and Keenan appear a step above and the leaders in class, Le Roux is old but still a class act. All of these players are outstanding in their own right and all of them can do multiple things very well. They peel off territory with outstanding kicking in both attacking and defensive zones. They are all excellent under the high ball. They are all playmakers who step into the line at times at first receiver or in midfield and distribute perfectly to the edge. They can all function as strike runners or link players bringing others into the game. They are also all good as last line defenders. Now look at Jordan. A class act in his own way, an epic strike and broken-field runner. He is able to burst into space with intent, pace and power. He is an elite finisher and a really good one on one defender who is a solid last line of defence. He chips into space really well and regathers very nicely. He is however not a creative link and creates primarily for himself. He sees opportunities which he can exploit individually and rarely brings others into the game. He is not a big picture player. He is decent under the high ball but by no means outstanding. He is unable to control the pace of the game all that well, he doesn't always make the best decisions especially in his third as he is so zoned in on attack and does not control territory well. His boot is not as prodigious or educated as the aforementioned 15's. Jordan is a complete winger but he is nowhere near as complete a full back. He limits Robertsons options in terms of playmaking ability and that means more responsibility for the 10. There is a general acceptance of this and as long as Jordan is at 15 the 10 will have to shoulder the playmaking responsibility with Jordan sniffing out opportunities from the back. Jordie needs to give support in this regard and Robertson needs to give him more freedom to create. With Jordan at 15 does he really need Ioane at 13? Perhaps the AB's are focusing too much on strike runners and not enough attention on playmaking.

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