Wales defeat New Zealand 35-28 to end 73-year winless streak
Wales overcame the All Blacks 35-28 in Cardiff, breaking a 73-year record without a victory against New Zealand.
Wales secured a 35-28 win over New Zealand at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, ending a 73-year period without a victory against the All Blacks. The result came despite pre-match odds of 30-1 in favour of New Zealand, who were the world’s top-ranked side at the time.
Former Wales captain Sam Warburton described the win as one of the greatest in Welsh rugby history. > "When you think what the fans and this team has been through, from the highs of a Grand Slam seven years ago, down to 12th in the world rankings and a record losing run of any tier-one nation, we've been down in the pits. No-one gave Wales a chance; that's why this is one of the greatest Welsh wins of all time. Yes, New Zealand had made changes but that was one of the most heroic defensive performances I have ever seen."
Former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar, speaking for ITV, said the match should be celebrated rather than analysed, likening the upset to Japan’s 2015 World Cup victory over South Africa.
The win was the first since Wales last defeated New Zealand in 1953, a match that took place when Winston Churchill was prime minister and Queen Elizabeth II had recently been crowned. Eight-year-old Huw Llywelyn Davies, now 81, recalled his disbelief at witnessing the result.
Wales’ defensive effort featured multiple players making over 30 tackles, with second-row Dafydd Jenkins matching a world record of 38 tackles in a single match. James Botham was named man of the match.
Former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick, now a board member of the Scarlets, praised Wales’ performance. > "New Zealand played well in patches and terrible in others but this is all about Wales. The way they started the game and took their tries showed the amazing belief they had. But the defensive effort was out of this world."
The victory marks a significant milestone for Steve Tandy’s side, which has not previously enjoyed a Test win against New Zealand despite several coaching connections to the country.