Wales beat the All Blacks, ending a 73-year wait
Wales have beaten New Zealand for the first time since 1953, a result former captain Sam Warburton calls one of the greatest wins in the country's history.
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Wales have beaten the All Blacks for the first time in 73 years, a result that former captain Sam Warburton described as one of the greatest wins the country has ever had.
The match took place in Cardiff on Saturday. Going in, New Zealand were in effect the best team on the planet, following South Africa's defeat by France the previous night. Hardly anyone gave Wales a chance, and the betting markets had them at around 30-1 earlier in the week.
The drought is over
Wales had not beaten New Zealand since 1953, a run that stretched across 34 matches. In that time, the rivalry has produced cheating, a national scandal and plenty of sporting drama. Many supporters lingered in Cardiff well after full time, celebrating with joy and relief while singing Yma O Hyd.
Why it matters so much
The losing streak had become a burden for generations of Welsh players. Warburton played in a hugely successful side under Warren Gatland, yet lost all five of his games against New Zealand. The famous 1970s team never managed it either. Sir Gareth Edwards, a legend of that period, was in the crowd to see the barrier finally broken.
From low point to high
Warburton put the moment in context by pointing to what supporters and players have been through, from a Grand Slam seven years ago to a prolonged slide down the world rankings. Beating the best team in the world after that kind of slump is likely to restore belief in a side that many had written off.
What it means for the All Blacks
For New Zealand, defeat in Cardiff is a rare setback and will prompt questions about preparation and selection. They remain one of the strongest sides in the sport, but the result shows how quickly standing in the rankings can change from week to week.
What happens next
Wales will want to show the win was not a one-off by carrying their form into their next fixtures. The coaching staff will aim to turn emotion into consistency, because a single famous night does not guarantee lasting success. For now, the country has a result that fans will remember for decades.
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Frequently asked questions
When did Wales last beat New Zealand?
In 1953, so the wait lasted 73 years and 34 matches.
Where was the match played?
At the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
How were the odds before the match?
Some bookmakers offered Wales at 30-1 during the week, so the result was a major shock.
