All Blacks Crush Wales 52-26 as Tom Rogers Makes History with First Welsh Hat-Trick Against New Zealand

It was a night of stark contrasts at Principality Stadium in Cardiff: the New Zealand All Blacks delivered a clinical, seven-try demolition of Wales, while Welsh winger Tom Rogers etched his name into rugby history with the first hat-trick ever scored by a Welshman against the All Blacks. The final whistle blew at 52-26 on Saturday, November 22, 2025, but the story wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was about resilience, legacy, and the chasm that still separates rugby’s traditional powers from those chasing them.

A Dominant Performance, But Not Without Flaws

The All Blacks, led by captain Scott Barrett, looked every bit the world’s best side. Seven tries. Five in the first 50 minutes. Caleb Clarke, on the wing, bagged two, while Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan added their own brand of lethal flair. Their forward pack, anchored by Scott Barrett and Fabian Holland, controlled the set pieces with icy precision. Even when Wales forced penalties, New Zealand’s defense—tight, fast, and ruthlessly efficient—shut down every surge.

But here’s the twist: the All Blacks weren’t flawless. They spilled passes. They missed tackles. And they were saved by the sheer weight of their reputation. Wales, for long stretches, looked outclassed. But then, in the 37th minute, Rogers broke through. And again in the 49th. And once more in the 68th. The crowd, 73,931 strong, roared like they’d just won the World Cup.

Tom Rogers’ Historic Night

Before Saturday, no Welsh player had ever scored three tries against New Zealand in a Test match. Not Gareth Edwards. Not Shane Williams. Not even the legendary Barry John. Rogers, a 24-year-old from Bridgend, changed that. His first try came from a high ball he won cleanly under pressure—something Wales hadn’t done consistently all season. The second? A darting run through a gap in the All Blacks’ defensive line. The third? Pure instinct: a chip-and-chase that left fullback Ruben Love flat-footed.

"It’s surreal," Rogers said afterward, voice hoarse from cheering. "You grow up watching these games on TV. To be on the field, scoring against them... it’s everything." His hat-trick wasn’t just personal—it was symbolic. For a Welsh rugby program that’s struggled for consistency since their 2005 Grand Slam, it was a flicker of hope.

Refereeing Controversy and Tactical Shifts

The match was officiated by Hollie Davidson, Scotland’s top referee, alongside Italian assistants Andrea Piardi and Gianluca Gnecchi. At the 524-second mark, a critical moment unfolded: Wales appeared to ground the ball over the line after a sustained phase. Davidson waved it off. The crowd erupted—not in celebration, but in disbelief. Replays showed the ball was clearly grounded. The TV official, England’s Ian Tempest, didn’t intervene. A penalty was awarded instead. Fans called it a "crime." Coaches called it "a missed opportunity."

Wales’ head coach Steve Tandy admitted after the game: "We had chances. We didn’t take them. And when you play New Zealand, you can’t afford to leave points on the table." Wales’ scrum-half Tomos Williams, who had a quiet night, later said: "We knew we’d have to be perfect. We weren’t. But we didn’t quit. And that’s something we can build on."

What This Means for Both Teams

For the All Blacks, this win continues their dominance in the Autumn Nations Series. Since 2018, they’ve won 12 of their last 13 matches against northern hemisphere sides. This performance—brutal, efficient, and occasionally sloppy—shows they’re still the benchmark. But questions linger: Can they maintain this intensity against South Africa in December? Will Damian McKenzie’s erratic kicking cost them in tighter contests?

For Wales, the result is a painful but necessary reality check. They’re not yet ready to challenge the elite. But Rogers’ hat-trick, the improved lineout under Dewi Lake, and the energy from debutants like Harri Deaves suggest progress. "We’re not there," said Tandy. "But we’re closer than we were last year."

The Bigger Picture: Autumn Nations and the Future of Rugby

The Autumn Nations Series—officially sponsored by Quilter—is more than a series of friendlies. It’s a global measuring stick. Northern hemisphere teams use it to prepare for the 2027 World Cup. Southern hemisphere giants use it to refine their systems. And for Wales, every match against New Zealand is a masterclass in what’s possible—and what’s still out of reach.

Principality Stadium, with its electric atmosphere and 73,931 seats packed to the rafters, remains one of rugby’s most intimidating venues. The fact that Wales sold out—despite the odds—says everything about the passion still alive in Welsh rugby.

What’s Next?

Wales next face Argentina in Cardiff on November 29, a must-win to salvage their Autumn Nations campaign. New Zealand, meanwhile, travel to Dublin to face Ireland on December 6—a clash that could determine who enters the World Cup as the top-ranked team.

For now, Wales can hold onto this: Tom Rogers didn’t just score three tries. He reminded the world that even in defeat, greatness can still be born.