Today, Saturday 22 November 2025, the Wales national rugby union team face the mighty New Zealand All Blacks at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff with kick-off at 3.10 pm.
It’s a big occasion, the All Blacks will be full of confidence, and Wales have fresh faces eager to make their mark.
Wales are building under coach Steve Tandy and look to carry momentum from their narrow victory over Japan last week. The All Blacks, though, remain one of the top sides in world rugby. They have won their last 33 matches in this fixture and consistently score heavily against Wales.
For Wales, this match is more than just a test, it’s a chance to show progress and heart. The inclusion of 24-year-old Harri Deaves in the back row is one of the headline stories. As the guardian reported, Deaves has gone from working as a roofer to earning his first cap for Wales.
Another young name to keep an eye on is 20-year-old Morgan Morse, who has been brought into the match-day squad following the withdrawal of veteran Aaron Wainwright through injury.
Tandy has emphasised that the focus isn’t solely on the result, it’s about building Wales’ game, working the process, and growing as a team. He said: “For me it is genuinely all about us growing our game. Then we’ll be better than we were last week.”
Why this matters
-
A home crowd, a big opponent, and real chance to show Wales can punch above expectations.
-
If Wales can handle the intensity of the All Blacks and apply their own style, they could make important strides.
-
The All Blacks will test Wales across the park — physicality, skill, territory, and pace. Wales must match up in all areas.
-
For the young players in the squad this is an unforgettable moment: playing in front of a packed Principality Stadium, against one of the greatest teams in world rugby.
Wales Starting XV
15 Ruben Love
15 Blair Murray
14 Louis Rees-Zammit
14 Will Jordan
13 Max Llewellyn
13 Rieko Ioane
12 Joe Hawkins
12 Anton Lienert-Brown
11 Caleb Clarke
10 Dan Edwards
10 Damian McKenzie
9 Tomos Williams
9 Cortez Ratima
1 Rhys Carre
1 Tamaiti Williams
2 Samisoni Taukei’aho
2 Dewi Lake
3 Keiron Assiratti
3 Pasilio Tosi
4 Scott Barrett
4 Dafydd Jenkins
5 Fabian Holland
5 Adam Beard
6 Simon Parker
6 Alex Mann
7 Harri Deaves
7 Du’plessis Kirifi
8 Wallace Sititi
8 Aaron Wainwright
Gameday thoughts
This is a moment for the fans to stand up and back the red of Wales. If you’re heading to the stadium or watching at home, expect high intensity, big hits, slick backs, and moments that could define the future of this Welsh team.
Let’s hope the boys deliver.
