2019 Rugby World Cup – New Zealand vs Wales Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Wales taking place? Friday 1st November, 2019 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Wales taking place? Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo
What is the expected weather for New Zealand vs Wales? Clear, 19c
What television channel is New Zealand vs Wales on? This match will be televised live on ITV and this schedule should tell you which channel it is on
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Wales? This match can be streamed via the ITV Hub
Where can I get tickets for New Zealan vs Wales? https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets
What was the score in the last meeting between New Zealand and Wales? Wales 18-33 New Zealand
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand were shocked by a dominant performance by England as they failed in their bid to win the RWC for a third consecutive occasion to leave the country in a state of mourning but their will to win will not desert them as they look to finish the tournament in third place.
- The All Blacks have opted to rotate their side for the final match of the tournament with seven changes from their semi-final loss although it is still be a very strong team selected in what will be Steve Hansen’s final game in charge with the head coach going down in history for his achievements with this side.
- It will also be a farewell for skipper Kieran Read, Ben Smith, Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams who will all start in what will be their final appearance for the All Blacks whilst Matt Todd is set to appear from the bench but New Zealand will be without Ardie Savea who is out through injury.
WALES
- Wales were edged out by South Africa in a tough encounter where the Welsh were prevented from taking the lead throughout the game and now they will have to pick themselves up to face New Zealand a side who will be smarting from their defeat to England and who have beaten them in 30 consecutive matches.
- George North limped off in Wales' semi-final against the Springboks and the winger will sit out this bronze final with the hamstring injury that he suffered in that game with Liam Williams already ruled out with the ankle injury he picked up before the semi-final.
- Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies are both still carrying injuries but both have been named in the 23 with Davies partnering Owen Watkin in midfield with Warren Gatland’s options limited across the park due to injuries to Tomas Francis, Aaron Wainwright and Leigh Halfpenny in what will be his final game in charge of the Welsh.
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand will want to end their tournament on a high after they were dumped out of the Rugby World Cup by a superb display by England in their semi-final. They will now compete in the bronze final against what is be a banged-up Welsh side which features nine changes from their defeat to South Africa and that can help the All Blacks bounce back. Both teams will want to send their departing head coach out on a high but New Zealand will also be saying farewell to their brilliant skipper Kieran Read who should lead his side to victory one last time.
