--- title: "Wales Beats New Zealand for First Time Since 1953 in Rugby Match" url: https://noti.group/wales-beats-new-zealand-for-first-time-since-1953-in-rugby-match/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Sports" published: 2026-11-14T16:01:57.000Z updated: 2026-11-14T17:27:18.574Z id: 49e90be3-aa71-4499-a4de-f90500c87b9b source: "The Guardian Sport https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/nov/14/wales-new-zealand-nations-championship-match-report" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/wales-beats-new-zealand-for-first-time-since-1953-in-rugby-match/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Wales Beats New Zealand for First Time Since 1953 in Rugby Match The Welsh team secured its first victory over the All Blacks since 1953 in a stunning upset at the Cardiff stadium. Wales has broken a 73-year drought against New Zealand, securing its first victory over the All Blacks since 1953 in a stunning upset at the Cardiff stadium. The Welsh team's remarkable defensive display in the last half-hour of the match repelled wave after wave of New Zealand attacks, sending the crowd into raptures as if each was witnessing something truly exceptional. The noise level inside the stadium was deafening, giving the impression that the home side had been revitalized and was back on track. New Zealand made eight changes to its lineup for this match, following a convincing win over Scotland earlier, but these alterations seem to have left them vulnerable. When they tried to exert their authority and calm in the face of Welsh resistance, it became apparent that something was amiss - there was no sign of the usual composure. The All Blacks' efforts were relentless as they hammered away at the Welsh defense, but despite their tireless attacks, they could not find a way through. The result will see New Zealand top the southern table in this championship, although it won't be with the five points everyone had expected - instead, they'll take home two bonus points courtesy of their hard work. The opening minutes were electric as the Welsh crowd erupted into cheers, despite the stadium being somewhat under capacity. The visitors from New Zealand, however, showed little sign of nerves, but it was Wales who set the tone for a thrilling match with their lightning-fast start. Within 90 seconds, Tomos Williams had made his presence felt, expertly cutting out a pass to Louis Rees-Zammit, who then chipped ahead and allowed Williams to dot down the loose ball for the game's first try. This early score sent a clear message that Wales were not going to back down. The Welsh fans' excitement was palpable as they sensed their team's dominance, but they also knew better than to get complacent against such a formidable opponent. So, they pressed on, determined to build on their early lead and create some breathing space. Just minutes after the first try, Wales scored again, this time with Dewi Lake crashing over in the corner after a clever pass from Tomos Williams. Sam Costelow's conversion made it 14-0, leaving New Zealand struggling to respond. The All Blacks finally broke through, though, when Cortez Ratima broke free from an attacking lineout and scored, momentarily silencing the Welsh crowd with a sense of "here we go again" despair. But Wales remained undeterred, capitalizing on any misconnections in the New Zealand team's defense to maintain their momentum. As the game entered its second quarter, Wales's front row unit continued to make waves, and Archie Griffin was at the forefront of their efforts. Building a reputation for himself in Wales, Griffin barged over from another penalty to the corner, opening up a 21-7 lead for his team. Wallace Sititi, a constant presence in the New Zealand pack, claimed the All Blacks' second try on the half-hour mark. Driving off another penalty to the corner, he showed why he is considered one of the team's key players. Asafo Aumua's initial drive had set up the opportunity for Sititi to score. The All Blacks' most cohesive passages of play were often centered around Sititi and Aumua. Wales, however, continued to capitalize on any missteps by their opponents. With time running out in the first half, they sent another penalty to touch, a move that reflected their growing confidence in their ability to control the game. The lineout, though, proved to be a weak link for Wales, and New Zealand made them pay for it. Sititi and Aumua were involved once again as the All Blacks launched a sweeping play that took them from one 22-meter area to the other. Quinn Tupaea's pass nearly three minutes into stoppage time found Fehi Fineanganofo, tying up the scores at halftime. Wales continued their thrilling attack after halftime, with a sweeping move down one wing and James Botham charging down the other, creating space for Williams to put Eddie James over in the corner. Costelow's conversion from the touchline maintained Wales' lead as they pushed forward once again. Jac Morgan won a penalty, but instead of opting for the easy three points, Wales chose to attack again, with Lake driving close and Williams sending Rees-Zammit over this time. With a 14-point advantage and half an hour remaining, it seemed that Wales had control of the game, but the All Blacks were not about to give up. Peter Lakai drove over from close range after relentless pressure to move New Zealand within a score with a full 25 minutes left on the clock. The All Blacks' momentum sparked some incredible defensive play from the Welsh side, who were met with roars of approval from the crowd as they made tackle after tackle in the final quarter. James, Gareth Jones, Botham, and Max Llewellyn all pulled off remarkable tackles that will be remembered long after the game. The sheer scale of Wales' defensive efforts was on full display, with each player making crucial stops to keep their team ahead. Despite the All Blacks' pressure, the Welsh defense held strong, refusing to yield even an inch as they clung to their lead. Wales' victory over New Zealand marks a turning point for the team and Welsh rugby as a whole. The win has ended a 73-year drought of success against the All Blacks, bringing an end to a period of lean results that had left the team struggling financially. The triumph has also brought about a new generation of players who have already achieved what their more illustrious predecessors could not. Whether this newfound confidence will propel them towards further successes remains to be seen. It is clear that Wales rugby is on the cusp of something special, and fans are eagerly anticipating what's next for the team. --- Source: [The Guardian Sport](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/nov/14/wales-new-zealand-nations-championship-match-report) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/wales-beats-new-zealand-for-first-time-since-1953-in-rugby-match/