Match Summary and Statistics
- Wales: 35 (Tries: T Williams, Lake, Griffin, James, Rees-Zammit; Conversions: Costelow 5)
- New Zealand: 28 (Tries: Ratima, Sititi, Fineanganofo, Lakai; Conversions: Mo’unga 4)
Wales achieved a historic milestone at the Principality Stadium, defeating New Zealand for the first time in 73 years. The 35-28 victory ended a 34-match losing sequence against the All Blacks, a drought stretching back to 1953. Steve Tandy’s squad, entering the fixture as underdogs, delivered a resilient performance that energized the home crowd.
The hosts enjoyed a blistering start, with captain Dewi Lake and scrum-half Tomos Williams crossing the line within the opening six minutes. Prop Archie Griffin added a third try in the first half, though New Zealand matched the intensity with scores from Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, and Fehi Fineanganofo, leaving the teams tied 21-21 at the interval.
Following the break, Wales surged ahead again as Eddie James and Louis Rees-Zammit touched down.
Despite a response from All Blacks flanker Peter Lakai, the Welsh defensive unit held firm. A collective effort in the final quarter, anchored by flankers James Botham and Jac Morgan alongside lock Dafydd Jenkins, successfully repelled three separate attempts by New Zealand to score over the line, securing the memorable win. In a nine-try Nations Championship thriller at the Principality Stadium, Wales led 14-0, 21-7 and 35-21 before they held off New Zealand with a wonderful defensive display in the final quarter, led by flankers James Both.
- Wales celebrated a first victory against New Zealand in 73 years with a brilliant performance to spark astonishing scenes in Cardiff.
- Steve Tandy’s unfancied side lifted a nation as they broke a 34-match losing sequence against the All Blacks that stretched back to 1953.
