All Blacks Haka - or not!

The New Zealand All Blacks heralded a 45-10 win against Wales at Millenium Stadium on 25th November. The Welsh crowd were not treated to the traditional pre-match haka from their visitors after a row with the Welsh Rugby Union resulted in the New Zealand All Blacks performing the routine in their changing room.

Scoring five tries to one in conditions that were soft, the All Blacks posted a record number of points, although not a record margin in Wales. The Welsh threat to take the game to New Zealand foundered on an inability to pierce solid All Blacks defence, and the lack of solidity at the set pieces. Sitiveni Sivivatu's hat-trick against Wales leaves him ranked favourably among All Blacks rugby's greatest tryscorers.

The first points of the game came from a try by All Blacks second five eighth Luke McAlister after a break by wing Rico Gear started an All Black roll of play. There were three converted penalties by Dan Carter, then after 26 minutes Wales put their first points on the board with a penalty conversion. After 33 minutes of play Sivivatu was rewarded with his first try another coming just before half-time making the score 28 - 3 to the All Blacks at half-time.

The second half points started with a penalty conversion by Dan Carter. Fifteen minutes into the half Richie McCaw was sin-binned for allegedly killing the ball at a ruck, following an early warning. While Richie McCaw was off the field Wales flanker Martyn Williams crossed the line for a try. It was converted by James Hook. The All Blacks replied straight after that with another Sivivatu try that was converted by replacement first five eighth, Nick Evans. About six minutes from full-time the All Blacks were awarded a penalty try which was also converted by Evans giving an All Black win of 45 points to 10.

Scorers 45 (Sitiveni Sivivatu 3, Luke McAlister, tries; penalty try; Daniel Carter 2 con, 4 pen; Nick Evans 2 con) Wales 10 (Martyn Williams try; James Hook con; Stephen Jones pen). HT: 28-3.