news.today
Hello · Register today | LoginHello · My Account[—] [33]
Sport

Wales beat New Zealand for first time in 73 years

Summarised from 12 outlets · 37 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 04:01 · Archive

Wales defeated New Zealand 35-28 in Cardiff, their first win over the All Blacks since 1953.

Wales defeated New Zealand 35-28 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, securing their first victory over the All Blacks since December 1953 and ending a run of 34 consecutive losses to the three-time Rugby World Cup winners.

Wales made a stunning start, scoring two tries in the opening six minutes. Scrum-half Tomos Williams dotted down after 80 seconds, set up by a cut-out pass from Louis Rees-Zammit, and captain Dewi Lake powered over four minutes later. Both were converted by Sam Costelow to give Wales a 14-0 lead.

Prop Archie Griffin added a third try in the first half as Wales built a 21-7 advantage. However, New Zealand responded with tries from scrum-half Cortez Ratima, number eight Wallace Sititi and wing Fehi Fineanganofo, all converted by Richie Mo'unga, to level the score at 21-21 by half-time.

Wales struck twice more early in the second half through centre Eddie James and wing Louis Rees-Zammit to move to 35-21. New Zealand flanker Peter Lakai scored to make it 35-28, but Wales's defence held firm in the closing stages, preventing the All Blacks from scoring again despite sustained pressure and three separate occasions when New Zealand was held up over the line.

Costelow converted all five of Wales's tries, whilst Mo'unga converted four of New Zealand's tries. For Wales, it was the first time they had scored five tries against New Zealand. Wales led by 14 points on three separate occasions during the match.

Head coach Steve Tandy hailed his team's performance. 'I feel pride for the players, and to see what it means to the supporters,' he said. 'We have been wanting some positivity, and I think the players delivered that today. The players were phenomenal. New Zealand threw everything at us, and it is just an amazing feeling.'

Dewi Lake, the first Wales captain to lead his side to victory over New Zealand in 73 years, called the win an 'amazing feeling'. He said the squad deserved the victory after the work they had put in over the past year and a half.

The win comes after a difficult period for Welsh rugby, including poor recent results and off-field issues. Some bookmakers had offered odds of 30-1 against a Wales victory before the match. The All Blacks, who made eight changes from their previous fixture, face England at Twickenham next Saturday.

Wales beat New Zealand for first time in 73 years
Image: Sky Sports

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

In this story: Wales · New Zealand · Steve Tandy · Tomos Williams · Dewi Lake · Erling Haaland · Principality Stadium · Cardiff

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log