Wales Beat New Zealand 35-28: First All Blacks Win Since 1953
Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 in Cardiff, ending a 73-year wait and a 34-match losing run against the All Blacks in a Nations Championship classic.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Lacu Schienred
CARDIFF, Wales — Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 at Principality Stadium on Saturday, 14 November 2026, to record their first victory over the All Blacks since 19 December 1953, ending a 73-year wait and 34 straight defeats. The Nations Championship upset, played before around 56,000 supporters in Cardiff, stands as one of the greatest results in Welsh rugby history.
Wales set the tone with a second-minute try from scrum-half Tomos Williams, set up by a kick ahead from wing Louis Rees-Zammit, and never trailed. Hooker Dewi Lake crossed from an attacking lineout minutes later as the hosts raced to a 14-0 lead, and although New Zealand fought back to 21-21 at half-time, five Welsh tries and a defensive stand in the final quarter sealed the win by seven points — the biggest margin Wales have ever managed against the All Blacks.
Key Takeaways
- Wales 35-28 New Zealand, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, 14 November 2026 — first Welsh win over the All Blacks since 19 December 1953.
- The victory ends a 34-match losing run; Wales had won only three previous meetings, in 1905, 1935 and 1953.
- Five Welsh tries, all converted by Sam Costelow, against four New Zealand tries and four Richie Mo'unga conversions.
- The result blows the Nations Championship wide open a day after France beat South Africa in Paris, wiping out the advantage New Zealand had held in the title race.
Wales 35-28 New Zealand: Full Try Scorers and Match Timeline
Wales struck twice early. Williams went over after two minutes following a kick ahead by Rees-Zammit, and Lake crossed from a lineout minutes later. New Zealand replied through halfback Cortez Ratima and loose forward Wallace Sititi, and Fineanganofo's first test try after the half-time siren made it 21-21. James and Rees-Zammit replied after the restart, and Lakai's 53rd-minute try closed the gap.
| Team | Tries | Conversions | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Archie Griffin, Eddie James, Louis Rees-Zammit (5) | Sam Costelow (5) | 35 |
| New Zealand | Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Fehi Fineanganofo, Peter Lakai (4) | Richie Mo'unga (4) | 28 |
The closing stages belonged to the Welsh defence. New Zealand were held up over the tryline three times in the final quarter, and with four minutes remaining French referee Pierre Brousset spotted an All Blacks knock-on after first signalling play on. Wales made more than 300 tackles in the match.
How Wales Ended 73 Years of Hurt Against the All Blacks
The drought explains the celebrations. Wales last beat New Zealand 13-8 at Cardiff Arms Park on 19 December 1953, when Bleddyn Williams captained the side, and had lost every meeting since. Their only other wins in the fixture came in 1905 and 1935.
Nothing in Wales' form pointed to an upset. Steve Tandy's side finished last in the Six Nations and barely beat Japan last weekend. New Zealand, ranked second in the world, had made ten changes in all after beating Scotland. Head coach Dave Rennie was blunt afterwards: "We weren't good enough at the end... it was a hell of a defensive effort from them."
What the Wales Win Means for the Nations Championship
The result changes the Nations Championship. A day earlier, France's win over South Africa in Paris had handed the advantage in the title race to New Zealand, who were expected to win comfortably. Instead, the tournament is wide open again.
New Zealand play England at Twickenham in seven days, a fixture now carrying far more pressure. Wales head into the rest of the championship with a result no Welsh side has managed in 73 years. Elsewhere, Colorado stunned No. 14 Houston 42-32 in college football, while the sport confirmed a 24-team playoff from 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Wales last beat New Zealand before the 35-28 win?
Wales last beat New Zealand on 19 December 1953, winning 13-8 at Cardiff Arms Park. The 35-28 victory on 14 November 2026 came 73 years later, ending a run of 34 consecutive defeats.
How many matches in a row had New Zealand beaten Wales?
New Zealand had beaten Wales 34 times in a row since the 1953 defeat. Before Saturday, Wales had won only three meetings ever — in 1905, 1935 and 1953.
Who scored Wales' tries in the 35-28 win over New Zealand?
Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Archie Griffin, Eddie James and Louis Rees-Zammit scored the five Welsh tries, and Sam Costelow converted all five. New Zealand replied with tries from Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Fehi Fineanganofo and Peter Lakai.
