What Should You Know About Wales vs. New Zealand?

Wales will renew their long-standing rugby rivalry with New Zealand on Saturday at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, a series that dates back 120 years. The All Blacks, who have dominated the fixture historically, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to England, while Wales aims to build on their recent victory over Japan. This match promises intense competition, with both teams eager to make a statement.

Last updated: 05 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Wales and New Zealand are set to clash in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter at the Principality Stadium. The match kicks off at 15:10 GMT and will be broadcast live on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC 5Live. Both teams are finalising their line-ups, which will be announced on Thursday, with Wales looking to maintain momentum after their first win under coach Steve Tandy. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be keen to redeem themselves following their heaviest loss to England in over a decade.

Key takeaways

Wales hosts New Zealand in Cardiff, a rivalry spanning 120 years.
The match follows Wales' first victory of the Tandy era against Japan.
New Zealand recently suffered a significant loss to England, marking a rough patch for the All Blacks.

Timeline: how we got here

Since their first encounter in Cardiff in 1905, Wales and New Zealand have met numerous times, with New Zealand winning the majority of these fixtures. Recent developments leading up to this match include:

November 2022: New Zealand defeated Wales 55-23 in Cardiff.
October 2023: Wales secured a 23-19 victory over Japan, ending a 10-match losing streak at the Principality Stadium.
November 2023: Wales faces New Zealand, with both sides preparing their teams for the match.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Wales is looking to build on a recent victory and has a chance to test their mettle against one of the top teams in the world. The All Blacks, on the other hand, are reeling from a disappointing loss and must address their recent disciplinary issues.

What was already established

Historically, New Zealand has been dominant against Wales, winning 34 out of 37 matches, with the last Welsh victory dating back to 1953. This long-standing rivalry has seen the All Blacks often overpower the Welsh side, creating a daunting challenge for Wales this weekend.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The match is sure to draw significant interest from fans across the UK, with many tuning in for the live broadcast. Events like this can foster community spirit and local pride, particularly in Wales, where rugby is a central part of the culture.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses in Cardiff will likely see an increase in foot traffic as fans attend the match. Pubs, restaurants, and shops in the vicinity can benefit from the influx of supporters, creating a lively atmosphere in the city.

Policy and regulation

With the increasing popularity of rugby, local authorities may continue to support events that promote sportsmanship and community engagement. Future matches, especially those involving high-profile teams like the All Blacks, could lead to discussions about transport and safety regulations during large events.

Numbers that matter

Wales has won only 3 of their 37 matches against New Zealand since 1905.
New Zealand has won 34 matches, illustrating their dominance in the rivalry.
Wales recently ended a 10-match losing streak at the Principality Stadium with a victory over Japan.
The All Blacks have lost three of their last eight Tests.
Hollie Davidson will make history as the first woman to referee an All Blacks match.

Definitions and jargon buster

All Blacks: The national rugby team of New Zealand, known for their distinctive black jerseys and the haka, a traditional Māori war dance performed before matches.
Principality Stadium: A multi-purpose stadium located in Cardiff, Wales, known for hosting rugby and football matches.
TMO: Television Match Official, responsible for reviewing decisions using video footage during a rugby match.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Following this match, Wales will need to prepare quickly for their next game against the world champions, South Africa, on 29 November. This period will require intense training and strategy adjustments.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the rugby season progresses, both teams will be looking to solidify their rankings ahead of future tournaments. For Wales, maintaining momentum after a win against such a formidable opponent could be crucial for morale.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics of both teams in upcoming matches.
Injury reports and player fitness levels.
Fan engagement and attendance figures for future matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on team announcements and player conditions leading up to the match.
Engage with local businesses that benefit from match-day traffic.
Plan travel routes to avoid delays on match day.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the significance of this match in the context of rugby history.
Don’t forget to check the weather and dress appropriately for the game.
Don’t ignore any potential disruptions to public transport on match day.

Checklist

Confirm match details (date, time, venue).
Check if you have tickets and the necessary documents for entry.
Review the latest team news and injury reports.
Plan your pre-match activities (where to eat, gather with friends).
Be aware of the rules and regulations regarding fan behaviour at the stadium.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As both teams prepare for this match, there are uncertainties regarding player fitness and potential last-minute changes to line-ups. Furthermore, disciplinary issues have plagued both sides, which could impact their performance on the day. Historical dominance does not always predict future outcomes, and any changes in team dynamics or strategies could alter the expected results.

Bottom line

Wales faces a formidable challenge as they host New Zealand at the Principality Stadium, with both teams eager to make their mark. For Wales, a win could signal a turning point, while New Zealand will be looking to restore their reputation following recent setbacks. As the rivalry continues, fans can expect a match filled with intensity and passion.

FAQs

When was the last match between Wales and New Zealand?

The last match between Wales and New Zealand took place on 5 November 2022, where New Zealand won 55-23.

What is the historical record between Wales and New Zealand?

Historically, New Zealand has dominated the fixture, winning 34 out of 37 encounters, with Wales securing victories only three times since their first meeting in 1905.

Who will referee the upcoming match?

Hollie Davidson will make history as the first woman to referee an All Blacks match, assisted by officials from Italy and England.