This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
On a perfect send-off for coach Steve Hansen, New Zealand's veteran winger Ben Smith scored a classy try double as the All Blacks beat Wales 40-17 to claim third spot at the Rugby World Cup on November 1, 2019, in Tokyo.
The result marked the final Test for both Hansen and Wales counterpart Warren Gatland, who had been at the helm for seven and 12 years, respectively.
With Hansen's incredible record including just 10 defeats in 107 Tests in charge, New Zealand have won 32 of their 35 meetings with Wales, last losing in 1953.
The match saw both teams produce an entertaining encounter, with New Zealand outscoring Wales by six tries to two.
Richie Mo'unga missed an early penalty, but the All Blacks looked to run the ball at every opportunity at a packed Tokyo Stadium.
The first try came quickly, with Aaron Smith finding skipper Kieran Read, who offloaded to Brodie Retallick, the lock producing a brilliant backhanded pass to Joe Moody, who bounded in from 20 meters for a great front rower's try.
Mo'unga converted and added a second after Beauden Barrett scampered over after a neat Aaron Smith drop-off that left Wales prop Dillon Lewis prone.
Wales then responded with a try from Hallam Amos, but New Zealand roared back through veteran Ben Smith, who jinked his way through a crowded defense after good lead-up work by Read and Liam Coltman.
Smith got his double on the stroke of half-time, taking a long pass from his namesake Aaron and powerfully handing off Tomos Williams to slide into the corner.
Mo'unga added the extras to leave New Zealand in complete control at 28-10 at half-time.
The cut-and-thrust, running rugby continued in the second period, with Ben Smith surging deep into Welsh territory before Sonny Bill Williams provided a perfect offload for centre partner Ryan Crotty to cross for the try.
