Wales confronts one of rugby's most formidable challenges this Saturday as the mighty All Blacks arrive at the Principality Stadium. New Zealand, smarting from a recent defeat to England, will be determined to reassert their dominance on the international stage.
The historical statistics make for sobering reading for Welsh fans. Wales has not defeated New Zealand since 1953, a staggering 72-year drought that shows little sign of ending despite a morale-boosting victory over Japan in their last outing. That win was head coach Steve Tandy's first since taking charge, though the performance itself left room for improvement.
Match Details and How to Watch
The crucial Autumn Nations Series clash is scheduled for 3.10pm GMT on Saturday 22 November. The iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff provides the backdrop for this historic rivalry.
For viewers across the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with comprehensive coverage beginning from 3pm GMT. Subscribers can also stream the action live via the discovery+ platform, ensuring no one misses a moment of the encounter.
Team News and Tactical Changes
Welsh coach Steve Tandy has implemented several significant changes to his side. The back row sees a reshuffle with flanker Harri Deaves handed his Wales debut, while Alex Mann moves to the blindside. A late injury to Aaron Wainwright has promoted Taine Plumtree to the number eight position.
In the front row, Rhys Carre and Keiron Assiratti form the propping partnership. The midfield welcomes back centre Joe Hawkins for his first appearance since the 2023 Six Nations. With Josh Adams suspended following his red card against Japan, Tom Rogers returns to the back three.
Two further potential debutants wait on the bench: replacement hooker Brodie Coghlan and Morgan Morse, who benefits from Wainwright's unfortunate injury.
Across the divide, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has reacted to the Twickenham disappointment with sweeping changes. Only three players retain their starting positions from the England defeat: captain Scott Barrett, Simon Parker and Will Jordan, the latter shifting to the wing as he continues his pursuit of Doug Howlett's try-scoring record.
Damian McKenzie takes over from Beauden Barrett at fly-half, while Fabian Holland returns from illness to partner Barrett in the second row. Full-back Ruben Love provides cover at number ten if required.
Confirmed Line-Ups
Wales XV: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Keiron Assiratti; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard; 6 Alex Mann, 7 Harri Deaves, 8 Taine Plumtree; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Dan Edwards; 11 Tom Rogers, 12 Joe Hawkins, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit; 15 Blair Murray.
Replacements: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 18 Gareth Thomas, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Morgan Morse; 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Nick Tompkins.
New Zealand XV: 1 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3 Pasilio Tosi; 4 Scott Barrett (capt.), 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Simon Parker, 7 Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8 Wallace Sititi; 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Damian McKenzie; 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Ruben Love.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Fletcher Newell, 18 George Bower, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Christian Lio-Willie; 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 23 Sevu Reece.
