# Defensive desire a Welsh hallmark – Roberts

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/defensive-desire-a-welsh-hallmark-roberts/
- Published: 2026-11-15T14:02:12+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T14:18:58+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/c95y1m63515ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport, UK, World

## Key points

- Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 for the first time since 1953.
- The team made a record 346 tackles.
- Jamie Roberts praised the squad’s resilience and pride.

## Summary

Jamie Roberts said Wales’ 35-28 victory over New Zealand was defined by a defensive effort that embodied Welsh resilience and pride. The win ended a run of 34 consecutive defeats against the All Blacks and was Wales’ first victory over them since 1953, making it a landmark result for a young team.

Wales made a record 346 tackles, with Dafydd Jenkins leading the side with 38, matching the individual Test record. The result comes after a difficult period for Welsh rugby, including 18 straight Test defeats and wider financial and organisational problems. Roberts, a former Wales centre with 94 caps, called the victory a generational achievement and said it showed the players’ character.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.