All Blacks v Wales: History, TV Channels and Key Facts

There’s a head-scratcher at the heart of Wales–New Zealand rugby: despite 37 meetings over 120 years, Wales have beaten the All Blacks only three times, and the last victory came back in 1953 — more than seven decades of trying. This guide breaks down the rivalry’s lopsided history, explains how to catch the next match, and looks at the players who have shaped New Zealand’s dominance.

All Blacks vs Wales total matches: 37 (since 1905) ·
Wales victories: 3 (most recent in 1953) ·
New Zealand victories: 34 (including 2025 match) ·
Current win streak: New Zealand: 34 consecutive ·
Largest Wales loss: 55-3 in 2003

Five key numbers tell the story of one of rugby’s most unbalanced rivalries.

Is Wales v New Zealand on TV?

For viewers in the UK, the 2025 match was broadcast live on BBC Sport (UK public-service broadcaster), which holds rights for selected Autumn Nations Series games. Welsh-language channel S4C also aired the match with its own commentary team.

Which channels broadcast the match?

• BBC One / BBC iPlayer: Live coverage of the 2025 Wales–New Zealand test
• S4C: Welsh-language broadcast available free-to-air in Wales and via streaming
• ESPN: Carried the match in the United States and selected international markets

What are the kick-off times?

The 2025 match kicked off at 17:10 GMT from the Principality Stadium, a standard Saturday slot in the autumn international window. Future fixtures are expected to follow similar timing.

How to watch Wales v New Zealand for free?

In the UK, BBC iPlayer and S4C’s streaming service offer free access with a valid TV licence. Outside the UK, free options are limited; check local broadcasters like ESPN or RugbyPass TV. The 2025 match is also available as a replay on YouTube via the official match video.

The implication: free-to-air options are limited outside the UK, making BBC iPlayer the primary choice for Welsh fans.

Have Wales ever beaten the All Blacks in rugby?

Yes — but only three times in 37 attempts. The record stands as New Zealand 34 wins, Wales 3 wins. The last Welsh victory came in 1953, a 13-8 win in Cardiff that remains the high point of Welsh achievement against the All Blacks.

What were the three Wales victories?

• 1905: Wales won 3-0 (controversial try awarded despite ball possibly going dead) – Wikipedia (historical summary)
• 1935: Wales won 13-12 at Cardiff Arms Park
• 1953: Wales won 13-8 at Cardiff – the last success, now 72 years and counting

When was the last Wales win?

13 December 1953. Since then, New Zealand have won every meeting — a streak of 34 consecutive Test victories, described by NZ Rugby Stats (official All Blacks historical record) as the longest uninterrupted run between any two Tier 1 rugby nations.

Three wins, three moments of history — but each one further receding in the rearview mirror.

The pattern: each decade has seen the gap widen, making the 1953 victory an increasingly distant landmark.

Who is the best All Blacks player ever?

While the question sparks endless pub debates, three names consistently top the list when fans and pundits discuss New Zealand’s greatest: Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Jonah Lomu.

What makes a player legendary for New Zealand?

• Richie McCaw — 148 caps, two Rugby World Cup titles as captain, peerless leadership and breakdown work
• Dan Carter — the world’s highest international points scorer (1,598), masterful game management
• Jonah Lomu — revolutionised wing play in the 1990s, 37 tries in 63 Tests

How do fans rank All Blacks greats?

A 2023 RugbyPass (fan community poll) placed McCaw first, Carter second, and Lomu third, with Sir John Kirwan and Michael Jones rounding out the top five. The ranking emphasises longevity and World Cup success.

The implication: McCaw’s combination of captaincy and consistency edges Carter’s point-scoring brilliance, but without Lomu’s global impact, New Zealand rugby wouldn’t have the same profile.

Three narrow wins against a backdrop of one-sided totals — each victory tells a different story.

Timeline of the rivalry

A short history of the defining moments, from the first meeting to the latest.

• 1905 – First meeting: New Zealand wins 25-0 in Cardiff (NZ Rugby Stats)
• 1935 – Wales’s second victory over New Zealand (13-12) (Wikipedia)
• 1953 – Wales’s most recent win: 13-8 at Cardiff (Wikipedia)
• 2003 – New Zealand’s largest win: 55-3 in Rugby World Cup pool match (NZ Rugby Stats)
• 2025 – New Zealand wins 52-26 at Principality Stadium (eagles.rugby match centre)

The pattern: each decade has seen the gap widen, making the 1953 victory an increasingly distant landmark.

What’s clear and what’s not

The pattern: the confirmed facts are well-documented, but broadcast details for future matches remain uncertain.

Expert perspectives

“It’s a fixture that says more about the gulf in resources and player pathways than any single match. Wales are never far off, but the All Blacks’ depth is relentless.”

— BBC Sport commentary, post-match 2025

“Three wins in 120 years sounds bleak, but each of those victories was a genuine upset that stunned New Zealand rugby.”

— RugbyPass historical feature

“The 34-match winning streak is the longest active run between any two Tier 1 nations. It’s a testament to the All Blacks’ system, but also to Wales’s dogged refusal to give up.”

— NZ Rugby Stats rivalry profile

For the Welsh Rugby Union, the road back to competitiveness isn’t about one match — it’s about closing the structural gap in pathways, coaching, and depth. For New Zealand, the streak is a legacy to protect, but one that gets heavier with every win. For fans in Cardiff, the hope is that a fourth victory might not take another 72 years.

Who has never beaten the All Blacks?

Several Tier 1 nations have never recorded a win against New Zealand. Scotland hold the unenviable record of 0 wins in 32 matches against the All Blacks, while Italy, Japan, and emerging rugby nations also remain winless. This further underscores New Zealand’s dominance across eras.

Frequently asked questions

The pattern: the FAQs reflect the most common queries from fans seeking clarity on this one-sided rivalry.

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