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friendly | International Rugby Union
Jun 18, 2016 at 8.35am UK
 
New Zealand
36-22
Wales
Dagg (20'), Smith (53'), Barrett (55'), Naholo (60'), Savea (67')
FT
Wyn Jones (39'), Williams (74'), Davies (77')

Second-half surge earns New Zealand win over Wales

New Zealand record four second-half tries to help them to a 36-22 triumph over Wales in Wellington.

New Zealand have put in a strong second-half performance to see off a spirited Wales side 36-22 in Wellington.

Wales matched the All Blacks for the opening 50 minutes before the home team seized control of the contest to move 2-0 ahead in the best of-three series.

Malakai Fekitoa celebrates with Israel Dagg for his try during the international Test match between New Zealand and Wales at Westpac Stadium on June 18, 2016© Getty Images

Despite last week's defeat in Auckland, Wales were able to take plenty of positives and their confidence showed in the first 15 minutes as they held the Kiwis before edging in front thanks to a Dan Biggar penalty.

However, their lead was short-lived when Israel Dagg was found on the left and he went over for a try in his 50th Test match for New Zealand.

It appeared that Wales would head into the break facing a seven-point deficit but just before half time, Alun Wyn Jones silenced the Wellington crowd by touching down before Biggar converted to send the two teams into the interval on level terms.

The All Blacks were cautious after the restart but two tries in as many minutes changed the course of the match, with Beauden Barrett setting up Ben Smith for New Zealand's second try before he went over himself to establish a 14-point lead with 25 minutes remaining.

The tries continued to come as Waisake Naholo and Ardie Savea eased over the line to put the game out of the reach of Wales, but Warren Gatland's men showed tremendous heart to register two tries in the closing stages.

After Liam Williams stormed clear before touching down, a well-worked move ended with Jonathan Davies forcing his way over the line but it was ultimately too little too late as New Zealand wrapped up the series win.

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Darren Plant
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Wales coach Warren Gatland raises a smile during Wales training at the Millennium stadium on November 3, 2014
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