Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 to end a 73-year rugby wait

Wales ended 73 years without a victory over New Zealand by winning 35-28 in Cardiff on Saturday. The Nations Championship result broke a run of 34 consecutive defeats against the All Blacks and delivered an exceptional lift for Welsh rugby after difficult seasons on and off the field. It was Wales's first win in the fixture since 1953.

Scrum-half Tomos Williams was central to a five-try performance. He scored early and helped set up hooker Dewi Lake as Wales surged 14-0 ahead within seven minutes. Archie Griffin then crossed to help the home side lead 21-7 around the half-hour mark, while Cortez Ratima's try kept New Zealand in the contest.

New Zealand recovered before half-time. Tries from Wallace Sititi and Fehi Fineanganofo brought the scores level at 21-21, leaving Wales to rebuild its advantage after the interval. Williams then supplied a long pass for Eddie James to score in the corner, and Louis Rees-Zammit added another Welsh try with about half an hour remaining.

Peter Lakai's try and Richie Mo'unga's conversion reduced the difference to seven points. New Zealand spent much of the final period pressing near the Welsh line, but the home defence repeatedly denied them, including holding up attempts to ground the ball. Wales protected its lead through the closing 25 minutes and finished in front of a celebrating home crowd.

Coach Steve Tandy had made five changes after the previous weekend's narrow win over Japan, including pairing Adam Beard with Dafydd Jenkins at lock to strengthen the lineout. New Zealand made eight changes from its victory over Scotland, with Beauden Barrett captaining the side for the first time on his 149thTest appearance. Those selections formed the backdrop to a match that Wales won through early attacking precision and late defensive resistance.