CARDIFF: Wales produced one of the biggest upsets in modern rugby history by defeating New Zealand 35-28 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to claim their first victory over the All Blacks since 1953.

Steve Tandy’s side stunned the three-time world champions with an explosive opening, racing into a 14-0 lead inside seven minutes through converted tries from scrum-half Tomos Williams and captain Dewi Lake.

Although Cortez Ratima hit back for the visitors, tighthead prop Archie Griffin powered over from a lineout maul to restore a 21-7 cushion. New Zealand punished a bold Welsh decision to run from deep late in the first half, with Wallace Sititi and Fehi Fineanganofo crossing—the latter three minutes into overtime—to level the score at 21-21 at the interval.

Rather than folding, Wales roared out of the blocks after the break. Centre Eddie James and wing Louis Rees-Zammit struck within five minutes of the restart, and Sam Costelow maintained his flawless kicking record to make it 35-21.

Peter Lakai quickly responded to cut the deficit to seven, setting up a breathless final quarter played almost exclusively inside the Welsh 22. Anchored by Dafydd Jenkins (36 tackles), Jac Morgan (28), and player of the match James Botham (26), Wales repelled wave after wave of pressure—holding the All Blacks up over the try-line three times—to seal a seismic triumph.

Elsewhere in the Nations Championship England ran in 13 tries to record their highest score at Twickenham in 25 years against an outmatched Japan side in a 78-15 success.

Playing his first Test since July 2022, centre Will Joseph scored a record-equalling five tries, taking early advantage after Japanese lock Harry Hockings received a 20-minute red card in the opening minute.

Freddie Steward, Ellis Genge, Cadan Murley, Ben Earl, George Martin, Ben Curry, Marcus Smith, and Greg Fisilau also touched down, with only eight missed conversions preventing a heavier rout.

Ireland beat Fiji 43-15 in Dublin as Andy Farrell’s men survived a physical first half to pull clear at the Aviva Stadium and keep their Nations Championship final hopes alive.

Fiji briefly led after quick-fire tries from Josua Tuisova and Peceli Yato, before a brace from Robert Baloucoune edged Ireland ahead at halftime.

Second-half scores from Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, a second for Tommy O’Brien, and Nick Timoney—alongside a penalty try—secured a bonus-point win ahead of next weekend’s decisive clash with South Africa.

Italy, in Genoa, lost 19-14 to Argentina in who extended their 18-year unbeaten run against the Italians in a tense, error-strewn contest. Second-half tries from Rodrigo Isgró and Mateo Carreras put the Pumas 19-7 ahead.

Despite losing two forwards to yellow cards and conceding a penalty try, the visitors held on when Italy fly-half Paolo Garbisi kicked a last-minute penalty straight into touch past the try-line.

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