Steve Tandy’s Wales face the daunting task of hosting the All Blacks at Principality Stadium in the Nations Championship with long odds of 20-1 for a home victory. A loss would mark the 35th consecutive defeat to New Zealand, extending a winless streak that stretches back to December 1953.
Seeking progress amid off-field turmoil
Following a narrow 28-21 victory against Japan and dealing with ongoing off-field turmoil, the Welsh squad aims to deliver a competitive performance. Head coach Steve Tandy has secured victories against Japan twice, Fiji, and Italy since taking charge in 2025, though the team’s most significant recent win was a 40-6 defeat of Australia during the 2023 World Cup group stages under Warren Gatland. Captain Dewi Lake emphasized the team’s desire to climb back into the top eight of the world rankings and measure themselves against elite sides like New Zealand and Australia.
Tandy has adjusted his lineup, handing Taine Basham his first Test start since 2022 following an injury to number eight Aaron Wainwright. Montpellier lock Adam Beard returns as line-out caller to stabilize a set-piece that struggled against Japan, while a back line featuring Louis Rees-Zammit, Blair Murray, and Gabriel Hamer-Webb looks to test the visitors.
History and the All Blacks challenge
Wales have only finished within a single score of the All Blacks twice in 23 matches since rugby union turned professional in 1995, notably losing by a point in 2004 and suffering heartbreak in 2009. New Zealand arrive in Cardiff under the guidance of head coach Dave Rennie, with full-back Beauden Barrett captaining the side for the first time and warning his teammates against complacency regarding the Welsh threats out wide.
The fixture precedes Wales’ upcoming match against Australia next Saturday, while the team’s ultimate placement for the upcoming finals weekend at Allianz Stadium depends on results from other fixtures involving Italy, Scotland, Argentina, and Australia.
