That's the standard script for NH teams touring NZ for a 3 test series. Run the ABs close in the first one and the the All Blacks dominate tests 2 and 3.
Some of it must be strategy, some must also be selection. Jamie Roberts is a quality player, but when you've got Scott Williams as an option at 12, surely that's a no brainer,
Third quarter again key, three tries conceded plus the failed Warburton/ Faletau breakout, 10-10 to 10-29 & pretty much game over. I reckon the Barrett try after Williams (?) got held up 5m out broke Wales. That said, how good could Williams be? He's like JPR without the rhododendron sideburns
Even if Faletau had taken the pass he wasn't going to score.
Any news of Cruden?
Not entirely rooting NZ's breakdown work for first 50, seemed a bit prone to pilferage while offering nothing themselves there. Pooroldyoung Cane, Mcawe finally buggers off, Cane's read all about his grooming for future AB captaincy. and then hello half the country's chanting Ardie's name.
True, but had he been able to then link with his backs things could've gotten interesting...
Sounds like the scans cleared him of any serious damage:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...ighth-aaron-cruden-given-clean-bill-of-health
Wales cannot be faulted for effort, that was top-notch, but they should be for sheer one-dimensionality.
I know, that's not really a word.
But really, after all this time, the attack is so predictable.
Not sure how Naholo finished the match. Clumsy challenge in the air then a plain old late shoulder-charge later. He's obviously a dangerous player with heaps of potential, but not the finished product yet.