By Liam Napier in Cardiff
Grasping their final flourish in Cardiff, the All Blacks are projecting positivity, believing they are on an upward trajectory despite a failed Grand Slam tour casting a shadow over their season.
The All Blacks finished their year with a seven-tries-to-four 52-26 victory in Cardiff that will briefly ease but not erase frustrations with the complexion of their turbulent 2025 campaign.
Wales were gallant in defeat, showing spirit to push the All Blacks for 50 minutes, but they are ranked 11th in the world. They have also won two games from their last 22 attempts – and enjoyed one home victory in two years.
Their struggles, therefore, offer context to this All Blacks victory.
Wallace Sititi, Caleb Clarke, and Ruben Love were among those to impress as the All Blacks eventually cruised to a comfortable success at the Principality Stadium where their powerful ball carriers laid the platform.
Last week’s loss at Twickenham that ended their Grand Slam hopes carries much more weight when assessing the All Blacks credentials but after making 13 starting changes to hand fringe players much needed game time against Wales, coach Scott Robertson is satisfied with his side’s final performance of the year.
“Human spirit is an amazing thing when you dig in. They’ve been through a tough stage the Welsh and when the All Blacks turn up that can all be turned around very quickly,” Robertson said.
“We knew statistically they would be in it for 50-60 minutes – even South Africa last year, it took them that long to get a foothold in the game and breakaway.
“They were courageous and flew into everything so we’re pleased we broke away at the end there.
“The guys who got opportunities played incredibly well. There’s some incredible combinations.
“We gave 45 guys opportunities this year to build competition in the group and depth and make sure we expose guys over this four-year cycle to win a World Cup.
“It’s a helluva year wasn’t it? An interesting year for us but we’re pleased with tonight.”
The All Blacks finish the season with 10 wins from 13 tests. Their first loss in Argentina, the largest defeat in history in Wellington, last week’s humbling English defeat and familiar inconsistencies within games leave major questions surrounding the coaching staff and whether this team is progressing.
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, though, projected a largely positive assessment of where the team sits after two years under Robertson.
“Before we hopped on the plane we had a clear vision to win a Grand Slam. Last week England pulled the rug out from underneath us,” Barrett said.
“It took a few days for the boys to look forward to tonight. The selections helped with bringing some fresh energy in and guys getting opportunities. Against a valiant Welsh side it was pleasing to see guys step up and finish on a positive.
“I’m not going to look too far back or forward at the moment. I’m going to enjoy tonight. There will be plenty of time in the coming weeks to reflect on where we are as a team. There has been improvement as the season has worn on.
“At times we probably weren’t where we would love to be through key stages within our season but ultimately our trajectory as a team is on the way up.
“There’s a big two years ahead of us. Razor and the group should be excited about the challenge that lays ahead for this team.”
One success the All Blacks can claim is Fabian Holland’s recognition as World Rugby breakthrough player of the year. Holland played 12 of the All Blacks’ 13 tests, often delivering 80-minute shifts, to immediately stamp his mark on the elite arena.
Holland, the first Dutch-born All Black, had his parents in Cardiff to toast his success.
“It’s pretty surreal. I wouldn’t be able to get that award without my teammates around me and my family in my corner.
“It’s such a rollercoaster so you keep your head down and go from game to game but I’m sure now the season is over I’ll have some time to reflect and enjoy it a wee bit. It’s been one helluva ride.
“Once you get a taste of it you just want more. This is where you want to be and where you want to perform. We’ve still got massive strides to make as a team but we’re proud of the group.
“I’m going to see some friends and family in the Netherlands and then heading back to Dunedin, my home. I can’t wait to connect there but we’ll have a break first.”