Sport

Hope glimmers as Wales show attacking bite despite another All Blacks mauling

Published

4 months ago

November 23, 2025

Wales 26 – New Zealand 52

WALES fell to yet another heavy defeat against New Zealand on Saturday, but the mood inside the Principality Stadium at full time was remarkably upbeat. For all the frustrations of a 52-26 loss, this was a match that offered something rare against the All Blacks: genuine hope.

It was Wales’ 34th consecutive defeat in the fixture stretching back to 1953, and the third autumn in a row that New Zealand have scored more than fifty points in Cardiff. Yet for the first time in years, Wales caused the tourists real problems with ball in hand, scoring four tries and recording their highest ever points tally at home to the All Blacks.

The standout moment belonged to winger Tom Rogers, who became the first Wales player in history to score a hat-trick against New Zealand. Not since South Africa’s Marius Joubert in 2004 has any player from any nation produced three tries against the All Blacks. The Scarlets man was outstanding, finishing with precision and confidence in a performance that will define his early Test career.

Wales’ 26 points also surpassed their previous best home scores in 2004 and 2010, when they posted 25. Across 38 matches, Wales have averaged just one try per game against the New Zealanders. On Saturday they produced four.

The match began with Wales falling behind early, but the response was sharp. For the first time this autumn, they consistently won aerial contests, using those turnovers to launch quick, layered attacks. The first try came when Louis Rees-Zammit beat Damian McKenzie in the air, leading to a sweeping movement that saw Alex Mann, Blair Murray, Max Llewellyn and Dan Edwards all link before Rogers picked up a dipping offload to score.

Rogers’ second came from a smart lineout move, with Taine Plumtree carrying hard off a long throw and Dafydd Jenkins punching into the New Zealand defence. With penalty advantage in hand, Tomos Williams’ grubber was won by full-back Murray, drawing Will Jordan off his wing. Wales moved the ball wide and Rogers finished.

Two minutes into the second half, Rogers completed his hat-trick. Jenkins charged down a kick, Plumtree competed superbly in the air, and Joe Hawkins’ long pass released Llewellyn, who held his run just long enough before sending Rogers away to step inside the last defender. For a brief moment, at 24-21, the stadium believed in something extraordinary.

The All Blacks responded with typical ruthlessness. Twice they crossed the Welsh line only for the TMO to intervene: first a knock-on in the build-up to a Caleb Clarke finish, then Rogers denying Jordan with a desperate touch-in-goal. The belief inside the ground grew louder.

But that was as close as Wales came. Rieko Ioane finally settled the momentum with a try from McKenzie’s cross-kick, and when Gareth Thomas and Taine Plumtree were both yellow-carded in quick succession, the game slipped decisively from Wales’ reach. Down to 14, and then 13, Wales simply couldn’t contain the wave of black shirts, with Clarke and Sevu Reece adding further tries.

Even so, Wales found one last flourish. Following a series of strong carries from Dewi Lake, Freddie Thomas and Morgan Morse, Murray slipped a pass to Rees-Zammit, who dived in at the corner one-handed to claim a well-worked fourth try.

While conceding seven tries and losing the penalty count 14-4 are reminders of how far this young side must travel, supporters recognised the intent and ambition in Wales’ play. Many stayed long after the final whistle to applaud the team’s lap of thanks, and former captain Sam Warburton described himself as more optimistic than he expected to be. Dan Biggar agreed, saying the fans could leave the ground feeling there were “more positives than negatives.”

New Zealand were clinical, physical and devastating on turnover ball, as they almost always are. But Wales, unlike in recent years, fired back. They showed ambition, accuracy, and a willingness to play. In attack, at least, there is something to build on.

With world champions South Africa arriving next weekend, and Wales set to lose their 13 English-based players as the match sits outside World Rugby’s Test window, the challenge becomes even tougher. But for the first time in a long time, there is a sense that Wales are beginning to carve out a new identity.

It may not show in the scoreline. But it was there in the noise of the crowd, the energy of the young players, and the belief that flickered for an hour in Cardiff.

A drubbing, yes. But also a glimpse of something better.

News

Haverfordwest sailor leads global team to historic victory in Korea

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

Herald Sport

Lou Boorman celebrates home port win in round-the-world yacht race

A HAVERFORDWEST-born sailor has led her team to a landmark victory on the global stage, winning a major leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as it arrived in South Korea.

Lou Boorman, aged 23, skippered Team Tongyeong to first place as the fleet sailed into the Korean port city this week (Mar 16), marking a historic moment for the race.

The win is particularly significant as it is the first time the round-the-world event has ever stopped in Korea – and the home team claimed the top spot.

Speaking from the yacht after crossing the finish line, Lou said: “We did it, we performed under the pressure! To get a win into our home port, I can die happy!”

From Pembrokeshire to the world stage

Lou, who grew up in Haverfordwest, has quickly risen through the ranks of competitive sailing. Before taking on the challenge of leading a Clipper Race team, she had already secured titles as British, Irish and Welsh Female Champion.

Now skippering one of the race’s international teams, she is responsible not only for navigation and strategy, but also for leading a diverse crew – many of whom had never sailed before joining the race.

The Clipper Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport, covering 40,000 nautical miles over eleven months, with crews facing extreme weather conditions ranging from freezing Pacific crossings to equatorial heat.

High-stakes gamble pays off

Team Tongyeong took a major risk during this stage, playing its ‘Joker’ card – a race tactic that doubles points if successful.

The gamble paid off, earning the team maximum points and securing their place at the top of the leaderboard.

Lou said: “We’ve worked really hard and put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Going into our home port there is a lot of pressure to perform, and we added to that pressure by playing our Joker – and we got twenty points, so I’m very proud of the team.”

This marks the team’s second win in recent stages, building momentum as they pass the halfway point of the global race.

Life at sea and leadership challenges

Reflecting on her journey so far, Lou highlighted the challenges of leadership as much as the physical demands of sailing.

She said: “Sometimes the sailing comes second to the people because they are the important ones. To lead them through that is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

She added: “My favourite thing about sailing is the magic of the sea, the stars, the storms and the remoteness. I feel free and at my happiest at sea.”

Global race continues

The Clipper Race fleet will remain in Tongyeong for a week of cultural events before setting off across the North Pacific towards Seattle.

The race will later visit Panama, Washington DC, and Oban before returning to Portsmouth this summer, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe.

For Pembrokeshire, Lou’s achievement puts a local name firmly on the world sailing map – and highlights the global reach of talent from West Wales.

Sport

New2Golf scheme returns to South Pembrokeshire Golf Club

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Six-week beginner programme offers affordable route into the sport

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE GOLF CLUB is preparing to launch its popular New2Golf scheme for 2026, with the latest intake starting on Monday (Apr 13).

Now in its eighth year at the Pembroke Dock course, the initiative offers a low-cost and welcoming introduction to golf. All equipment and professional tuition are included for a small fee, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities – including complete beginners who have never picked up a club before.

The scheme is also ideal for those who have previously played golf and are looking to return to the game after a break.

Participants will receive coaching from qualified golf professionals at the club’s practice ground during early evening sessions over a six-week period. There will also be an option to continue with further sessions after the initial programme.

Golf provides a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. As a low-impact sport, it allows players to gradually build fitness while learning new skills. Whether approached competitively or socially, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Last year’s New2Golf intake ranged in age from eight to 70, highlighting the sport’s broad appeal and accessibility.

Located in Pennar, Pembroke Dock, South Pembrokeshire Golf Club enjoys scenic views over the Haven waterway. The club has a thriving membership across junior, ladies’, men’s and seniors’ sections, and prides itself on being friendly and supportive to new players.

Members regularly help newcomers develop their skills on the course, offering guidance on rules, techniques and course play.

The clubhouse also serves as a social hub, offering home-cooked food, a bar and meeting facilities, with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.

Anyone who has ever considered taking up golf – or returning to the sport – is encouraged to get involved.

For more information or to enrol in the 2026 New2Golf scheme, contact [email protected] or visit the Wales Golf website.

New2Golf is organised and supported by Wales Golf.

Sport

Bluebirds leave it late to beat Cardiff Met at the Meadow

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Jones strike secures vital win as County stay top of play-off conference

HAVERFORDWEST County returned to winning ways on Friday (Mar 13) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cardiff Metropolitan at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

Substitute OWAIN JONES proved the difference, scoring with ten minutes remaining to seal all three points for the Bluebirds in front of a crowd of more than 500.

The result means County maintain their four-point lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference with just four games left to play.

Slow first half

Chances were limited during a quiet opening period, with neither side able to gain control.

The game was disrupted by a lengthy 12-minute stoppage after Cardiff Met striker Lewis Rees required treatment following a collision with Panashe Makwiramiti.

When play resumed, both sides struggled to build momentum. Dylan Rees came closest for the hosts before the break, first delivering a dangerous cross that narrowly missed teammates before seeing a long-range effort drift just wide.

Cardiff Met’s best opportunity came late in the half when Dixon Kabongo fired over from inside the area.

***Kyle Kenniford advances away from Lifumpa Mwandwe. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)***

Pressure builds after break

County looked sharper after the restart and began to apply sustained pressure.

Greg Walters saw a header deflected wide early in the second half, before the hosts had the ball in the net moments later, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Dan Hawkins then forced a low save from goalkeeper Ewan Griffiths, while Walters again went close with an effort from inside the box.

With chances continuing to come and go, manager Tony Pennock turned to his bench, introducing Owain Jones and Iori Humphreys midway through the half.

Jones strikes late

The breakthrough finally came on 80 minutes.

A corner caused confusion in the Cardiff Met defence, and the ball fell kindly for JONES, who bundled it over the line from close range to send the home supporters into celebration.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser late on, but Ifan Knott was rarely troubled as County held firm through the closing stages.

The victory sees Haverfordwest County strengthen their position at the top of the Play-Off Conference as they head into the final weeks of the season.

They are back in action on Saturday (Mar 21) when they travel to Bala Town.

Cover image:

Greg Walters shifts the ball away from Cardiff Metropolitan captain CJ Craven. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)