Welsh fans celebrate historic win over New Zealand

Welsh supporters celebrated across the country after Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 in Cardiff on Saturday, ending a 34-match losing run against the All Blacks and their longest wait for a win over them since 1953.

At Caernarfon Rugby Club, Darren Williams, who lives abroad and was visiting family in Wales, called the result “excellent”. Daron Owens said she was “really glad” to have watched the game with fellow supporters. One fan at the Principality Stadium said they had waited “73 years to be at this game” and were “in total shock but absolutely delighted”.

Wales led by 14 points three times and scored five tries against New Zealand for the first time. The visitors, coached by Dave Rennie, had made eight changes from the team that beat Scotland in their previous Nations Championship match. Wales’ late defensive effort helped secure the win.

The result came a week after Wales had to work hard to beat Japan. Their historic victory over New Zealand drew 55,152 spectators, with players in tears and supporters celebrating in Cardiff.

Prince William, patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, congratulated the team, calling it a “fantastic result”. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said the win had been “decades in the making”, while Wales Secretary Stephen Kinnock said he could “barely believe” what he had watched.