Inspired Wales beat New Zealand for first time in 73 years

Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 in Cardiff, ending a 73-year wait for a win over the All Blacks and a run of 34 consecutive defeats. The result was a landmark for a team whose recent form had been poor, built on a fast start, two more tries early in the second half and determined defence under late pressure.

Wales scored five tries through Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Archie Griffin, Eddie James and Louis Rees-Zammit, with Sam Costelow converting all five. New Zealand’s four tries came from Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Fehi Fineanganofo and Peter Lakai; the sides were level 21-21 at half-time before Wales moved 35-21 ahead. Welsh players made 346 tackles, and it was only their fourth victory in 39 meetings with New Zealand.