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Magnificent Wales beat New Zealand for first time since 1953

Magnificent Wales beat New Zealand for first time since 1953

Wales celebrate a first victory against New Zealand in 73 years with a brilliant 35-28 win to provide astonishing scenes in Cardiff. Wales celebrate a first victory against New Zealand in 73 years with a brilliant performance to provide astonishing scenes in Cardiff.

Tries: T Williams, Lake, Griffin, James, Rees-Zammit Cons: Costelow 5

Tries: Ratima, Sititi, Fineanganofo, Lakai Cons: Mo'unga 4.

Wales celebrated a first victory against New Zealand in 73 years with a brilliant performance to spark astonishing scenes in Cardiff.

Steve Tandy's unfancied side lifted a nation as they broke a 34-match losing sequence against the All Blacks that stretched back to 1953.

In a nine-try Nations Championship thriller at the Principality Stadium, Wales led 14-0, 21-7 and 35-21 before they held off New Zealand with a wonderful defensive display in the final quarter, led by flankers James Botham and Jac Morgan and lock Dafydd Jenkins.

The home side produced a stunning start with tries from inspirational scrum-half Tomos Williams and captain Dewi Lake inside the first six minutes.

Prop Archie Griffin also added a first-half try, but New Zealand responded with scores from scrum-half Cortez Ratima, number eight Wallace Sititi and wing Fehi Fineanganofo to level the score 21-21 at half-time.

Wales centre Eddie James and wing Louis Rees-Zammit scored early second-half tries before New Zealand flanker Peter Lakai pulled one back.

The remarkable Wales defence followed as they held up the All Blacks three times over the line to stop New Zealand scoring, to evoke wild celebrations.

In brief

Tries: T Williams, Lake, Griffin, James, Rees-Zammit Cons: Costelow 5 Tries: Ratima, Sititi, Fineanganofo, Lakai Cons: Mo'unga 4. Prop Archie Griffin also added a first-half try, but New Zealand responded with scores from scrum-half Cortez Ratima, number eight Wallace Sititi and wing Fehi Fineanganofo to level the score 21-21 at half-time. Wales centre Eddie James and wing Louis Rees-Zammit scored early second-half tries before New Zealand flanker Peter Lakai pulled one back.

This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to BBC Sport. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.

Continue reading at BBC Sport ↗

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