Key Highlights
- Wales aims to end 72 years of losing against New Zealand in their upcoming match.
- The history between Wales and New Zealand is filled with memorable moments, including the infamous 1978 cheating incident and the spine-tingling 2008 Haka response.
- In 2004, Wales came closest to ending their losing run but lost by a single point due to timekeeping errors.
- The 2006 All Blacks’ reaction to not performing the Haka before the Welsh anthem was negative and led to a significant defeat for Wales.
- Wales will face New Zealand in Cardiff on November 22, 2025, as part of the Autumn Nations Series.
Ancient Rivalry: Wales v New Zealand – A Century-Old Feud
Rugby’s storied history is rife with iconic rivalries, and none is more enduring than that between Wales and New Zealand. The match on November 22, 2025, will mark the latest chapter in this epic saga, one that has spanned nearly a century of tension, triumphs, and tragedies.
The Cheating Incident: A Dark Chapter
Among the most infamous moments in this rivalry is the 1978 match. The game took place at Principality Stadium (formerly known as Cardiff Arms Park) on November 25, just days before what would have been a World Cup final. Wales, under the leadership of Steve Tandy, faced New Zealand for the first time since the infamous late-night incident that left Keith Murdoch disgraced and the All Blacks emboldened by their victory over the British & Irish Lions in 1977.
The drama unfolded as Wales led 12-10 with just minutes to go.
However, unbeknownst to the Welsh players, New Zealand’s team had hatched a plan: Andy Haden, the All Blacks’ lock, would dive out of the line-out and steal the ball from Bobby Windsor. As the referee awarded the penalty, the Welsh players were left stunned. Later, Haden admitted his part in the cheating, writing, “I went to Frank Oliver… and told him the plan in four words: ‘I’m going to dive.'” This incident would rankle the Welsh team for years.
The Close Call of 2004
Despite their early struggles, Wales came close to ending their losing run against New Zealand. In 2004, Wales faced a young and formidable All Blacks side at the Millennium Stadium (now Principality Stadium). Under head coach Mike Ruddock, Wales played with abandon, leading at half-time through tries by Tom Shanklin and Mefin Davies.
However, New Zealand’s Joe Rokocoko scored two incredible solo tries to close the gap.
With seconds to go, Wales had a chance to snatch victory but were foiled by timekeeping errors. The stadium clock showed injury time, but it was not on the referee’s watch. As Stephen Jones kicked the ball away, Wales never got another chance.
Shanklin later reflected, “It’s more painful and frustrating now than it was at the time… We had been through some tough years so I was actually quite pleased that we hadn’t been hammered and put on a great show.” However, he added, “But looking back, you realize just how close we came to making history.”
The Haka Standoff: A Spectacular Showdown
Perhaps the most memorable moment in this rivalry was the 2008 match. Under new head coach Warren Gatland, Wales devised a clever response to the All Blacks’ Haka performance. Gatland challenged his players to understand the significance of the traditional Maori challenge and asked them not to turn around when it began.
Martyn Williams came up with the idea: “Gats explained that if you turn first, then psychologically the All Blacks have already got one up on you,” he said. “It was a bit of a throw-away, but I asked, ‘well what if we just don’t turn around?’ We lined up on the 10-metre line and just stood there.” The result was an unforgettable scene: New Zealand massed on the halfway line as Wales stood firm for 80 seconds.
Williams recalled, “It felt like we were there forever and it just got louder and louder the longer we stood there. It’s one of those moments that everyone remembers.”
Despite this dramatic stand-off, Wales lost the game 29-9.
The Upcoming Match: A New Chapter
This weekend marks a new chapter in this long-standing rivalry as Wales faces New Zealand once again. Under Steve Tandy’s leadership, the Welsh team aims to finally break their 72-year losing streak against the All Blacks. The match will be broadcast live on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and available online through BBC Sport.
Wales fans hope that this time, history will not repeat itself. As Shanklin poignantly noted, “The pay-off was that autumn campaign set us up for another piece of history with the Grand Slam the following year.” The match on November 22, 2025, is sure to be a historic one, replete with its share of drama and perhaps even a momentous win for Wales.
