Wales end 73-year wait to beat New Zealand in thriller
Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 15:26 · Archive
Wales defeated New Zealand 35-28, the first time in 73 years and after 34 successive defeats.
Wales defeated New Zealand 35-28, the first time they have beaten the All Blacks in 73 years and ending a run of 34 successive defeats. Wales dominated the opening 50 minutes, scoring five tries through Tomos Williams, Archie Griffin, Dewi Lake, Eddie James and Louis Rees-Zammit. The All Blacks scored a single try in the 53rd minute to move within seven points, but Wales held that margin for the remaining 28 minutes.
The match turned on a defensive effort described as heroic. Wales made 346 tackles, a new world record for Test matches. Lock Dafydd Jenkins recorded 38 tackles, matching an individual world record set in the 2007 World Cup. Player of the match James Botham made a crucial try-saving tackle on 17-stone prop Xavier Numia in the 65th minute. Former Wales centre Jamie Roberts described the defensive performance as epitomising what it meant to be Welsh: 'That resilience, that bravery, that kind of never-say-die attitude.' Botham was in tears after the final whistle, saying the crowd's energy was crucial to the victory. Wales captain Dewi Lake also shed tears at the end.
How it is being reported
- DAN BIGGAR: Wales have sent a very real message to the rest of the rugby world - beating New Zealand has to be the start of something and not a one-off but whatever happens in future, Steve Tandy and his players' place in immortality is secureDAN BIGGAR: When I woke up on Sunday morning - the day after Wales had ended 73 years of pain at the hands of the All Blacks - 'Yma o Hyd' sprung to my mind.Daily Mail Sport · 15 Nov, 17:08
- Defensive desire a Welsh hallmark - RobertsFormer Wales centre Jamie Roberts says the heroic defensive effort to beat New Zealand for the first time since 1953 showed what it meant to be Welsh.BBC Sport · 15 Nov, 14:02
- Reality dawns after Wales dared to dreamAs Welsh rugby fans wake up on Sunday morning the realisation will dawn on them that Wales beat New Zealand for the first time in 73 years.BBC Sport · 15 Nov, 08:58
- Wales shock New Zealand to end 73 years of painNine-try thriller produces almighty Nations Championship upsetThe i Paper · 14 Nov, 16:02
In this story: Wales · New Zealand · James Botham · Dewi Lake · Xavier Numia · Dafydd Jenkins · Eddie James
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