All Blacks hoodoo for Welsh rugby reaches 70 years and counting

This week marks the 70th anniversary of Wales’ last victory against New Zealand in rugby. On December 19, 1953, Wales achieved a historic 13-8 win over the mighty All Blacks in Cardiff, captained by Bleddyn Williams. The victory is significant in Welsh history, and it remains the last time Wales has defeated New Zealand.

Notable players from that era, such as Sir Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies, JPR Williams, Barry John, Alun Wyn Jones, and Shane Williams, have never experienced success against the All Blacks in a Welsh jersey. The only surviving player from that match is prop Courtenay Meredith, now 97, while Bill McCaw, 96, is the lone surviving All Black from that encounter.

The 1953 victory came at a time when a try was worth three points instead of five under current rules. The match featured Cardiff beating New Zealand four weeks earlier, with several players, including captain Bleddyn Williams, representing Wales.

The rarity of Wales defeating New Zealand has continued over the decades, with the All Blacks dominating the fixture. Despite Wales turning to New Zealand coaches like Sir Graham Henry, Steve Hansen, Warren Gatland, and Wayne Pivac, a Test victory over their birth nation has remained elusive.

Wales’ record against New Zealand in the last 70 years has been one-sided, with the All Blacks scoring 1,180 points and conceding 401 in 33 matches. Despite occasional close encounters, including one-point defeats in 2004 and 1978, Wales has been unable to secure a victory.

Former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick, who played 92 Tests, notes that belief is crucial for overcoming such challenges. While the current state of Welsh rugby presents difficulties, Fitzpatrick believes that with the right structure and focus, Wales has the talent to compete and eventually break the hoodoo.

The question remains whether talent alone will be enough for Wales to end the prolonged losing streak against New Zealand. The next World Cup and the ongoing transition in Welsh rugby will likely play pivotal roles in determining whether Wales can overcome this historic challenge.