Familiar outcome as Wales are beaten by late All Blacks try blitz

Wales held a 16-15 lead over the world champions with 11 minutes remaining at the Millennium Stadium but the hope of a first victory against the All Blacks in 61 years was destroyed in the final stages.

The All Blacks blitzed Wales with three late tries to win 34-16 and leave Gatland’s men with the same sinking feeling against southern hemisphere opposition.

“It is disappointing but we have to keep working hard to try and rectify that,” said Gatland.

“There are some critical moments we have to learn from when we come under a bit of pressure.

“We have grasped every opportunity to try and play New Zealand, South Africa and Australia because that is the way we get better.

“Playing in that sort of hot atmosphere and intensity of international rugby that’s the way these players will continually improve and getting exposed to that kind of pressure against the best teams in the world.

Wales were edged out by Australia in Cardiff two weeks ago and, having scraped past 14-man Fiji a week ago, close their autumn campaign against South Africa next weekend.

South Africa have only lost once to Wales in their history – at the Millennium Stadium in 1999 –but Gatland insists plenty of self-belief remains in the camp ahead of the Springboks’ visit.

“I don’t think it will be (a task to lift the players),” said Gatland.

“Shaun Edwards (defence coach) spoke to the players in the changing room afterwards and asked that question.

“The response was that if we produce that same level of intensity and commitment we are good enough to win next week.”

Fly-half Beauden Barrett’s try double either side of a Kieran Read touchdown gave the All Blacks a remarkable 26th successive victory in the fixture.

Flanker Jerome Kaino and wing Julian Savea also scored for the visitors, with Wales replying through scrum-half Rhys Webb’s try and 11 points from the boot of full-back Leigh Halfpenny.