'It's been an interesting year for us': Razor's verdict on All Blacks' progress
REACTION: New Zealand coach Scott Robertson heaped praise on a reshuffled All Blacks side that rode out a Welsh storm to emerge dominant 52-26 victors in Cardiff on Saturday.
Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece both scored try doubles, with Damian McKenzie booting 17 points, to help New Zealand overcome four tries by Wales, including a Tom Rogers hat-trick.
New Zealand saw their Grand Slam scuppered with a 19-33 loss to England last week, having first notched up wins over Ireland (26-13) and Scotland (25-17).
The All Blacks end the season having suffered two other losses, 23-29 away to Argentina and a record 10-43 home loss to South Africa.
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“The guys stood up and took the opportunity incredibly well. There are some good combinations,” said Robertson, who made 12 changes to the team beaten by England.
“We’ve given 45 guys an opportunity this year, exposure over this four-year cycle to the World Cup.
“It’s been an interesting year for us.”
Robertson added of Wales: “We knew that statistically they’d be in for 60 minutes.
“We knew how tough it was to come to the Principality. They’ve been through a tough time, but we know how quickly it can turn around when the All Blacks come to town.
“We’re pleased we broke away at the end,” with New Zealand’s victory extending their winning streak over Wales to 34 matches dating back 72 years.
Skipper Scott Barrett added that there’s been “improvement as the season’s gone on”.
“Ultimately, the trajectory of the team is on the way up,” the lock said.
“‘Razor’ [Robertson] and the group should be excited about the challenge.”
Wales coach Steve Tandy insisted he was proud of his team, with hooker Brodie Coghlan and backrow forwards Harri Deaves and Morgan Morse all debuting.
“You’re never satisfied with conceding 50 points, but you look at the way this young group have gone and attacked New Zealand and were brave in defence,” Tandy said.
“There’s a lot to be proud of. The tries were outstanding.
“It’s not the scoreboard we want, but it was a huge effort from the group.”
Tandy added: “We can see in the building blocks of what this team can be.
“We’re 12th in the world for a reason, we need to build, and I believe in this group and where they can go in the future.”
Wales, who lost 28-52 to Argentina in their opener before scraping a 24-23 victory over Japan last week, wrap up their Nations Series against world champions South Africa in Cardiff next weekend.
The fixture falls outside World Rugby’s official Test window, meaning that both teams will be without some players.
In Tandy’s case, 13 members of his squad will be back on club duty. The match will be a real test against Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks, known for their strength in depth.
“We’ll call up a few. We might have to get a few reinforcements,” Tandy said.
