Francis suffers defeat to All Blacks

By Mark Stevens
11/6/2016

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis got his first taste of action against New Zealand, but he and his Welsh team-mates were unable to stop the world champions claiming a 27th consecutive win at Eden Park.

Francis was used as a second half replacement by Welsh coach Warren Gatland, who earlier in the contest had seen his side lead with an hour played on the clock.

The All Blacks, however, finished with a flourish, scoring 21 unanswered points to see them to a 39-21 victory in the opening clash of the three Test series.

All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo scored twice with Julian Savea, Kieran Read and Nathan Harris also crossing.

In reply, Taulupe Faletau and Rhys Webb crossed during the first half for the visitors, but they could not mark Alun Wyn Jones' 100th appearance with a first win in New Zealand.

It was a familiar story for Wales who could not maintain the intensity of their opening half against an All Black side playing for the first time since the World Cup final and without legends Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Ma'a Nonu.

Harris' try with the clock in the red at the end of the game distorted the scoreline, although after the break the All Blacks were completely dominant.

New Zealand: Tries - J Savea, Naholo (2), Read, Harris; Conversions - Cruden (2); Penalties - Cruden (4)

Wales: Tries - Faletau, Webb; Conversion - Biggar; Penalties - Biggar (3)