Rogers fights back from axe to make Wales history

Scarlets wing Tom Rogers has scored five tries in 13 internationals for Wales

Tom Rogers reaped the rewards of his fighting spirit by responding to the axe by becoming the first Wales player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand.

The All Blacks overpowered Steve Tandy's side 52-26 at Principality Stadium but the hosts showed spirit in defeat.

Wales, as they did in their autumn defeat to Argentina, scored four tries with Rogers crossing for three of them.

The Scarlets back started against the Pumas but was dropped for the last-gasp win against Japan.

Josh Adams' red card meant Rogers was recalled and he grasped his chance with his first hat-trick since playing junior rugby with Cefneithin.

"I've always been a fighter and I wanted to prove to Tandy that I deserved a spot in the team," said the 26-year-old.

"It was class and I'm really chuffed. It hasn't sunk in because when as a kid it's your dream to play for Wales against the All Blacks."

Rogers went off with a slight leg niggle but is confident of being fit for the autumn finale against the Springboks.

Tandy is likely to select him for his 14th cap after being impressed with the wing's response.

"Tommy was his biggest critic when he got left out the team," said the head coach. "His reaction in training has been incredible.

"He is trying to grow his game and we are seeing loads of learnings on the other side of the ball. I am massively proud of Tommy and the group."

Rogers was followed over the line in acrobatic fashion by fellow wing Louis Rees-Zammit, who is unavailable for the autumn finale.

The task for what will be a new-look Wales side is to build on the attacking performance against New Zealand.

"From the Argentina and Japan games, it was a massive improvement," said Rogers.

"We attacked well, it's just the All Blacks were class in the second half. We wanted to put our game on the pitch and I think we did that for an hour.

"To face South Africa, one of the best teams in the world, is a class opportunity and the boys are looking forward to it.

"We can definitely take confidence from the New Zealand game."