Rogers hat-trick can't prevent All Blacks triumph

TOM ROGERS became the first Wales player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand as the All Blacks maintained their dominance in the fixture with a 52-26 victory in Cardiff.

- By PHIL BLANCHE

New Zealand crossed seven times as Caleb Clarke and Sevu Recce bagged braces, with tries for Ruben Love, Tamaiti Williams and Rieko Ioane and the boot of Damian McKenzie adding 17 points.

It extended New Zealand's winning run against Wales to 34 games - a sequence stretching back to 1953 - but the contest will be remembered as much for Rogers’ historic treble.

Louis Rees-Zammit added a late consolation try and Dan Edwards kicked three conversions for the spirited hosts, who only trailed 24-21 after 50 minutes.

Wales provided a romantic storyline as Ospreys flanker Harri Deaves completed his journey from working as a roofer to the Test arena on Saturday.

Beaten by England at Twickenham - a third defeat in eight Tests that sparked plenty of soul searching in New Zealand rugby - All Blacks boss Scott Robertson rested star men Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett among a dozen changes.