The All Blacks scored six tries to beat Wales 40-17 and secure third-place in the Bronze medal match at the Ajinomoto Stadium on Friday.
The Test marked the end of an era, with swift change set to sweep through both camps. On the whole though, questions should still be asked of the relevance of such a game with so many struggling to see its value.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
It wouldn’t have been the way New Zealand would have wanted to end their campaign, but they can take some respite out of this performance. Indeed, the likes of Steve Hansen, Kieran Read, Sonny Bill Williams, Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty can bow out of the international scene with their heads held high.
The Kiwis clearly came out to put on a show. The eagerness they displayed to throw the ball around was a refreshing reminder of just how talented a side this is. If not for England’s freakish performance in last week’s semi-final, Hansen’s men would surely have gone all the way in Japan.
To their credit, Wales also produced some dazzling moments on the day. At times, they showed a real vigor on attack, something not too often seen from Warren Gatland’s side. Unfortunately for them, they simply couldn’t match the intensity of their counterparts for the full 80-minutes.
Still though, Gatland has left an indelible mark on Welsh rugby and his legacy is secure as he too moves on after 12-years at the helm of the reigning Six Nations champions.
Joe Moody and Beauden Barrett both scored early on following some vintage free flowing footy, but a rare period of Welsh territorial dominance culminated in Hallam Amos going over to bring his team back in it.
A Rhys Patchell penalty narrowed the deficit again, but two Smith scores saw the All Blacks take a commanding 28-10 lead into the break.
Crotty bagged a try soon after the restart as the former world champions assumed firm control of the contest.
Tournament top try scorer Josh Adams scored his eighth of the competition, but a late Mo’unga five-pointer sealed the win for the men in black.
Scorers:
New Zealand:
Tries: Moody, B Barrett, B Smith (2), Crotty, Mo’unga
Cons: Mo’unga (5)
Wales:
Tries: Amos, Adams
Cons: Patchell, Biggar
Pens: Patchell
Teams
All Blacks – 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Atu Moli, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Jordie Barrett.
Wales – 15 Hallam Amos, 14 Owen Lane, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 James Davies, 6 Justin Tipuric, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Adam Beard, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Nicky Smith.
Subs: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Wyn Jones, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Aaron Shingler, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Dan Biggar, 23 Hadleigh Parkes.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets.
