Wales end 71-year wait to stun All Blacks 35-28 in Cardiff

Wales ended 71 years of hurt against New Zealand with a 35-28 victory at Cardiff on Saturday, snapping a run of 34 consecutive defeats in one of rugby’s most lopsided rivalries. It was the first time since 1953 that Wales had beaten the All Blacks, and they did it in style — scoring five tries and holding firm under relentless late pressure.

Head coach Steve Tandy was visibly moved afterwards. “I feel pride for the players, and to see what it means to the supporters,” he said. “The players were phenomenal. New Zealand threw everything at us, and it is just an amazing feeling. We have got to savour moments like this.”

Wales dominated the first half through tries from Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake and Archie Griffin, all converted by Sam Costelow, to lead 21-7. New Zealand hit back sharply, with Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi and Fehi Fineanganofo all crossing and Richie Mo’unga converting three to level at 21-21. But Wales refused to buckle. Eddie James and Louis Rees-Zammit added further scores — both converted by Costelow — to push the lead back out to 14 points on three separate occasions during the match.

New Zealand flanker Peter Lakai grabbed a fourth try for the visitors, yet Wales’ defensive line held for the remainder. Dafydd Jenkins, Jac Morgan and James Botham each made more than 30 tackles as the Welsh rearguard absorbed wave after wave of All Blacks pressure in the closing stages.

Captain Dewi Lake, who scored one of the first-half tries, reflected on the magnitude of the achievement. “To put on the field what we did today, to make history, is tough to put into words, but it is nothing this group doesn’t deserve for the work they have put in,” he said. “The boys dug in hard — a lot of defensive sets, three or four hold-ups over the line. I think I stopped watching with one minute, 20 seconds left and just waited for the whistle.”

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie had made eight changes from the side that beat Scotland in their previous Nations Championship fixture, a rotation that ultimately proved costly. New Zealand skipper Beauden Barrett acknowledged how difficult Wales had been to break down, particularly in the second half.

Tandy was quick to temper the euphoria, insisting the result must serve as a foundation rather than a ceiling. “This is a real good statement win for us, and we have got to enjoy it, but we have got to keep going and building performances,” he said. “We have got a massive game against Australia next week.”