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Wales claim historic victory against All Blacks for first time since 1953
Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 in Cardiff to secure their first win over the All Blacks since 1953, ending a 34-match losing run. The result matters especially because Welsh rugby has struggled since the 2023 World Cup amid poor results and off-field problems.
Tomos Williams scored one of Wales’s five tries and helped set up others, as the hosts raced to a 14-0 lead and were level 21-21 at half-time. Wales pulled ahead in the second half, then held firm through the final 25 minutes after Peter Lakai’s try brought New Zealand within seven points; the visitors had two late attempts held up over the line.
In short
- Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 in Cardiff.
- It was Wales’s first win over the All Blacks since 1953.
- A late defensive stand ended a 34-match losing run.
Explained simply
Wales and New Zealand are two of rugby union’s best-known international teams. New Zealand’s side, known as the All Blacks, have long been among the sport’s strongest, while Wales have a deep rugby tradition and a large following at home.
The teams have met regularly for decades, but New Zealand have usually had the upper hand: before this match, Wales had not beaten them since 1953. Wales’ recent struggles, including poor results since the 2023 World Cup and problems off the field, had added pressure on the national side.
Tomos Williams is a Wales scrum-half, a position that links the forwards with the backs and often starts attacking moves. His role in the match highlights how individual players can shape a team’s approach, while the long gap between Welsh wins helps explain why meetings between the sides draw attention.