Wales end 73-year wait to beat the All Blacks with five-try thriller in Cardiff

Wales ended 73 years of hurt against New Zealand with a 35-28 victory at the Principality Stadium, stunning world rugby in a Nations Championship encounter that will be remembered in Cardiff for generations. Steve Tandy’s side overcame a 34-game losing streak against the All Blacks — dating back to 1953 — with a performance that mixed attacking brilliance and resolute defence in equal measure.

Wales built their lead three times to 14 points and, for the first time in history, scored five tries against New Zealand. Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake and Archie Griffin all crossed in the first half, with Sam Costelow converting each one to put Wales firmly in control at 21-7. New Zealand hit back through Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi and Fehi Fineanganofo, with Richie Mo’unga landing three conversions to level at 21-21 and raise the prospect of another Welsh collapse.

It never came. Eddie James and Louis Rees-Zammit — the fifth of five different try-scorers on the night — extended Wales’ advantage, with Costelow’s boot keeping the scoreboard ticking. When New Zealand pressed in the closing stages, it was the Welsh defence that ultimately proved the difference, denying the visitors the scores they needed to complete a comeback.

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie made eight changes from the side that had swept past Scotland in their previous Nations Championship fixture, a rotation that backfired spectacularly against a Welsh team that seized on every opportunity. The result is not only Wales’ first win over New Zealand since 1953 but also their most tries ever scored against the All Blacks in a single match.

For Welsh rugby, a sport that has endured considerable turbulence in recent years both on and off the field, the victory represents a landmark moment. Tandy, who took charge of the national side in difficult circumstances, now has one of the most celebrated results in the country’s rugby history to his name.