New Zealand post highest-ever points total in Cardiff as six tries from out-half Beauden Barrett (two), scrum-half TJ Perenara, wing Will Jordan, flanker Dalton Papalii, replacement wing Sevu Reece and centre Anton Lienert-Brown earn a 54-16 win – eclipsing the 43 points scored in 2002
By Michael Cantillon at Principality Stadium
Last Updated: 30/10/21 7:17pm
New Zealand began their autumn tour in convincing fashion as they cruised past a depleted Wales side to win 54-16 at a fervent Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The All Blacks scored tries through out-half Beauden Barrett (two) – on the occasion of his 100th cap – scrum-half TJ Perenara, wing Will Jordan, flanker Dalton Papalii, replacement wing Sevu Reece and centre Anton Lienert-Brown.
Full-back Jordie Barrett added three penalties and five conversions in the slick and professional victory, while Wales mustered three penalties and a Johnny Williams try.
The 54 points registered is the highest ever by a New Zealand team in Cardiff, eclipsing the previous best of 43 posted in 2002.
Wales, already shorn of a raft of frontline players through injury – and ineligibility for this particular Test – suffered further blows too as skipper Alun Wyn Jones re-injured his left shoulder, and back-row Ross Moriarty departed with an arm injury.
More to follow…