Wales ended 73 years of hurt against New Zealand on Saturday, beating the All Blacks 35-28 in a Nations Championship classic at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
It was Wales’ first victory over New Zealand since a 13-8 win in the same city on 19 December 1953, ending a run of 34 successive defeats in one of world rugby’s most one-sided fixtures. It was also the first time Wales have ever scored five tries against the All Blacks.
The hosts made a stunning start. Tomos Williams crossed after just 80 seconds, following a kick over the top from Louis Rees-Zammit, and captain Dewi Lake crashed over from close range four minutes later. Sam Costelow converted both, and Wales led 14-0 inside seven minutes.
Archie Griffin powered over from a lineout after 24 minutes to restore the 14-point lead, but New Zealand clawed their way back before half-time. Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi and Fehi Fineanganofo all touched down, with Richie Mo’unga converting each, to leave the sides level at 21-21 at the break.
Wales went back in front four minutes after the restart through Eddie James, and Rees-Zammit crossed unopposed soon after to put the hosts 14 points clear for a third time. Costelow maintained a perfect record from the tee, converting all five Welsh tries.
Peter Lakai’s try in the 53rd minute, converted by Mo’unga, set up a pulsating finale, but wave after wave of New Zealand attack was repelled by heroic Welsh defence in the final 25 minutes.
The win is a huge fillip for Welsh rugby, which had been reeling after a record-breaking run of 18 successive defeats following the last World Cup. Wales had won only five of their previous 32 internationals over the last three years, though they beat Japan 28-21 in Cardiff last weekend.
“The effort that the players and staff have put in over the last 15 months or so, they got what they deserved today. It was an unbelievable performance from the boys,” head coach Steve Tandy said. “When New Zealand were coming back at halftime it would be easy to doubt yourselves, but I thought the last couple of minutes they looked really composed.”
Captain Dewi Lake added: “We got asked a lot of questions last week about performance. We had a lot of tough conversations. It’s nothing this group doesn’t deserve.”
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie had made eight changes from the side that swept past Scotland in their previous Nations Championship game, a gamble that backfired spectacularly. Wales next face Australia at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 21 November.
Sources: Reuters, “Wales celebrate landmark win as All Blacks hoodoo ends”, https://www.reuters.com/sports/wales-celebrate-landmark-win-all-blacks-hoodoo-ends-2026-11-14/ ; Sky Sports, “Nations Championship – Wales 35-28 New Zealand”, https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/13612202/nations-championship-wales-35-28-new-zealand-hosts-display-immense-defence-to-pull-off-first-win-vs-all-blacks-since-1953
