Wales’ Historic Hat-Trick Can’t Stop 34th Straight Loss to All Blacks in Cardiff

Despite a historic performance from winger Tom Rogers, Wales fell 26-52 to the All Blacks on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff — extending their winless streak against New Zealand to 34 consecutive matches. The loss, part of the Quilter Nations Series 2025Principality Stadium, was a familiar script: dominant All Blacks, valiant but outmatched Wales. But this time, there was something different — a first in 138 years of Test history.

A Hat-Trick for the Ages

Tom Rogers, 26, became the first Welshman ever to score a hat-trick against the All Blacks, crossing the line at the 17th, 49th, and 76th minutes of play. Each try came with increasing urgency — the first off a clever chip-and-chase, the second from a break down the left wing, the third a thunderous finish after intercepting a loose pass near the 22-meter line. NBC Sports’ broadcast noted, "A great finish, Tom Rogers, but it’s the winning the ball in the air. Momentum in the tackle." For Welsh fans, it was the rare bright spot in a dark chapter.

It wasn’t just the tries. It was the context. The last time a Welsh player scored a hat-trick in any Test match? That was Lewis Rees-Sam — not "Lewis Ree Sam," as misheard in commentary — against Georgia at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Rogers’ feat, against the most feared team in rugby, rewrote the record books. Even The Daily Telegraph acknowledged it: "Spirited Wales show promise despite 34th consecutive defeat by All Blacks."

The Streak That Won’t Break

Wales’ last win over New Zealand? December 3, 1953 — at Cardiff Arms Park, 71 years and 34 losses ago. That’s longer than most Welsh fans have been alive. Longer than the career of any current All Black. The gap isn’t just statistical — it’s psychological. The All Blacks entered the match with seven tries in their last three games against Tier 1 nations. Wales? They’d scored more than 20 points in a home match against New Zealand just once since 2000.

And yet, the scoreline — 52-26 — doesn’t tell the whole story. Wales’ four tries were their most against New Zealand since 2017. Their defensive line held firm for stretches, particularly in the first 30 minutes. The All Blacks’ seventh try came in the final minute, a mere formality. The real story was the fight.

Rees-Zammit’s Near-Miracle

In the dying seconds, with Wales down by 26 points, a moment of chaos unfolded inside the All Blacks’ 22. New Zealand took a quick tap penalty. The ball skidded loose. Louis Rees-Zammit, Wales’ explosive fullback, darted in like a missile — intercepted the ball clean, broke two tackles, and had a clear path to the try line. For three heartbeats, the stadium held its breath. Then — a whistle. Offside. The play was dead. No try. No miracle.

"We have a rather crazy ending inside the New Zealand 22," The Daily Telegraph wrote. "Rees-Zammit intercepts but Wales are…" — and then, silence. The moment became a metaphor: so close, yet so far. Rees-Zammit, 24, has been the most electrifying Welsh back since Shane Williams. This play, though ruled out, reminded everyone why.

Why This Matters Beyond the Score

The Welsh Rugby Union didn’t just host a match — they hosted a reckoning. Principality Stadium, with its 73,931 seats packed with fans wearing red, was a cauldron of hope and heartbreak. Tickets sold out in 47 minutes. Social media trends exploded with #RogersHatTrick and #StillWeBelieve.

But the numbers don’t lie. Wales have now lost 14 of their last 15 home Tests against top-tier opponents. Their scrum collapsed three times. Their lineout failed on four of nine attempts. New Zealand’s scrum-half, Cam Roigard, orchestrated the game like a maestro — 146 meters gained, 11 passes, zero turnovers. The All Blacks didn’t just win — they exposed the structural gaps in Welsh rugby’s development pipeline.

Yet, the youth academy is showing signs. Three of Wales’ starting forwards were under 25. Two of their try-scorers came from regional academies in Newport and Llanelli. This isn’t a team in freefall — it’s one in transition. The problem? The transition is happening while the All Blacks are still at their peak.

What’s Next?

Wales’ next Test? December 6, 2025, against Argentina in Cardiff. A chance to reset. The All Blacks? They head to Tokyo for a November 30 clash with Japan — a tune-up before the 2027 World Cup. For Wales, the path forward isn’t about beating New Zealand next year. It’s about closing the gap. One try at a time.

There’s no magic fix. No quick coaching change. No billionaire savior. Just hard work, better structures, and patience. The hat-trick? It’s a sign. Not of victory — but of potential.