Wales 35-28 New Zealand: Wales beat All Blacks for first time since 1953

Wales ended a 73-year wait to claim their first rugby victory over New Zealand since 1953, delivering an exhilarating performance at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Under the guidance of coach Steve Tandy, the Welsh team overcame the odds to break a 34-match losing streak against the All Blacks, igniting jubilant scenes throughout the stadium. The Nations Championship clash turned into a high-scoring spectacle, with Wales racing to leads of 14-0, 21-7, and 35-21 before battling fiercely in the final quarter to withstand New Zealand’s comeback attempts. Standout defensive efforts from flankers James Botham and Jac Morgan, along with lock Dafydd Jenkins, were crucial in holding off the visitors near the game’s conclusion.

The match featured nine tries in total, with Wales crossing the line through Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Archie Griffin, Eddie James, and Louis Rees-Zammit. William Costelow successfully converted five of those tries. New Zealand replied with tries from Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Fehi Fineanganofo, and Peter Lakai, with Damian Mo’unga contributing four conversions. Wales got off to an electrifying start, with early touchdowns from Williams and Lake within six minutes, setting the tone for the encounter. Despite New Zealand rallying to tie the score by halftime at 21-21, Wales quickly regained momentum in the second half through James and Rees-Zammit, responding valiantly after New Zealand’s Lakai narrowed the gap late in the game.

This landmark victory holds great historical significance, as Wales had previously triumphed over New Zealand only three times—in 1905, 1935, and 1953—and had endured decades of setbacks since. The 55,152 attendance was the lowest for this fixture at the Principality Stadium, but those present witnessed a momentous occasion in Welsh rugby history. Influential Welsh rugby figures like Sir Gareth Edwards and Shane Williams never experienced such a success, making the current squad’s achievement a fresh chapter in the sport’s legacy. Despite Welsh rugby’s recent struggles both on and off the field, this win offers a promising spark for renewed national pride and optimism.

From a tactical standpoint, Wales made several changes from their previous game against Japan, introducing fresh faces including Taine Basham at number eight, Gabriel Hamer-Webb on the wing, and Botham and Adam Beard in the forwards. New Zealand also rotated extensively, with Beauden Barrett appointed captain for his 149th Test. Wales’ rapid start featured impressive ball execution and defensive intensity, with early tries stemming from sharp passes and dynamic run support. New Zealand showed resilience, leveling the score with tries following set-piece plays. However, Wales’ determined defense kept New Zealand at bay in crucial moments, including multiple try-saving tackles over their line, helping to secure this historic win amid sustained pressure