Wales 9 New Zealand 29:Warren Gatland's side suffered a 20th successive defeat against New Zealand after All Blacks superstar Dan Carter inspired an imperious second-half revival.

New Zealand, the world's top-ranked team, trailed 9-6 at half-time to three penalties from Wales outhalf Stephen Jones.

But Carter and company responded superbly to the crisis, scoring 23 unanswered points as centre Ma'a Nonu and flanker Jerome Kaino claimed tries.

Carter finished with 19 points from five penalties and two conversions, giving him a tally of 92 in five appearances against Wales.

Reigning Six Nations champions Wales gave it their all, yet they had no answer once New Zealand stepped up a gear to exorcise memories of their World Cup quarter-final defeat against France at the same venue 13 months ago.

Wales, who have beaten Tri-Nations opposition just twice in 33 attempts during rugby union's professional era, could not maintain their first-half fluency.

Skipper Ryan Jones, fullback Lee Byrne and centre Jamie Roberts all played pivotal roles in establishing a narrow interval advantage.

New Zealand, though, only need victory over hapless England at Twickenham next Saturday to complete another grand slam tour.

And the alarm bells will ring in English ranks, given the All Blacks have beaten Scotland, Ireland and now Wales by amassing 83 points without conceding a try.