World Rugby Championship: All Blacks outclass Welsh and take bronze

That will not be enough to wash the affront of a defeat in the last four, but at least the All Blacks will have managed, as usual, to quickly stop the bleeding. A week after his debacle in the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup 2019, against England, New Zealand has perfectly remobilized to dominate a generous Welsh XV but exceeded (40-17). This success, for the honor, allows the double-champions of the world in title (2011, 2015), to figure on the podium of the edition 2019 ... a tradition since it was the case during six of the first eight lifts .

Despite some imprecision ball in hand, the All Blacks have never trembled during a "small final" which they quickly took control. Quarter of an hour of play, already, the gap was made thanks to two tests scored Moody (7-0, 5th) and Barrett (14-0, 13th).

Behind, the Welsh have had a reaction of pride, finding the fault by Amos (14-7, 19th) then returning to four points thanks to the boot of Patchell (14-10, 26th), but the difference of level was too important. After the half hour of play, it has materialized a little more. Smith, twice, pierced the defensive curtain of the XV Leek (21-10, 33rd and 28-10, 40th), also benefiting from a Mo'unga impeccable in the exercise of transformations (4 / 4 at the break).

Black beast

After the locker room, Crotty even allowed himself to add a fifth try in the pocket of the All Blacks to give the match sheet looks like correction (35-10, 48th). Once again, the Welsh found some resources to lighten the bill, thanks to Adams (35-17, 59), but Mo'unga, at the end of the game, allowed his team to pass the symbolic mark of 40 points, registering an ultimate essay (40-17, 73rd).

A great show of power that allows New Zealand coach Steve Hansen to conclude his latest campaign on a nice lot of consolation. And the Welsh, already frustrated by a semi-final at home against South Africa, will this time be content with the chocolate medal after another setback against their pet peeve: they have not won any more match against the All Blacks since 1953, to say an eternity.