Wales head coach Steve Tandy hailed his "phenomenal" players after they beat New Zealand 35-28 in the Nations Championship in Cardiff. It was Wales' first win over the All Blacks since 1953, ending a run of 34 successive defeats in one of world rugby's most one-sided fixtures. Wales led by 14 points on three separate occasions and scored five tries against New Zealand for the first time, but heroic defensive work ultimately denied the visitors.

First-half tries from Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake and Archie Griffin, all converted by Sam Costelow, put Wales in charge. New Zealand clawed back to 21-21 through Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi and Fehi Fineanganofo, with Richie Mo'unga kicking three conversions. All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie made eight changes from the side that beat Scotland in their previous Nations Championship game, an approach that backfired as Eddie James and Louis Rees-Zammit added further Wales tries, both converted by Costelow. New Zealand scored a fourth try through flanker Peter Lakai, but could not break through again.S1S2

Wales captain Dewi Lake said the achievement was hard to put into words and praised the work behind the squad, noting the defensive effort including several hold-ups over the line. Dafydd Jenkins, Jac Morgan and James Botham each made more than 30 tackles. Tandy said the win was a statement result, but that the team must keep building performances, with a major Nations Championship match against Australia next week.S1S2