All Blacks 'ran into a brick wall' as Wales beat New Zealand 35-28
Beauden Barrett said "it felt like New Zealand were running into a red brick wall" after the All Blacks lost 35-28 to Wales at Principality Stadium in a Test on 14 November 2026. The defeat ended a 73-year wait for a Welsh victory over New Zealand and came as Barrett won his 149th New Zealand cap and captained New Zealand in a Test for the first time.
Wales scored five tries, a national record against New Zealand, while their defence produced 346 tackles overall. Lock Dafydd Jenkins topped Wales' tackle chart with 38. The home side held New Zealand up over the line three times in the second half to protect a seven-point lead.
Dave Rennie became the first All Blacks coach to lose to Wales in 73 years and said: "We had a good enough side on the field to win, and if you look at the stats, we had plenty of opportunities and the guys created a lot of chances." He added: "We just weren't clinical enough, and they were very good defensively." Rennie also said: "I have no regret around the side that we picked, as I've talked about previously, there is really good competition for places. "There's not a lot between certain positions." The All Blacks made eight changes to their starting line-up between their win against Scotland and their trip to England in the final Nations Championship group game, and Rennie took over from Scott Robertson at the start of the year.
Barrett, reflecting on the atmosphere, said: "It felt like a brick wall at times, so you have to give them credit." He added: "You give opportunities for the crowd to come into the game, and we are well aware of that when we come here." Barrett finished his comments with: "That's why it's one of the best places to play rugby - it feels like you are playing 16 or 17."
New Zealand still inched above South Africa, who lost a thriller in France on Friday, into top spot in the southern hemisphere table. If the All Blacks win with a bonus point at Twickenham on Saturday (14:10 GMT), they will secure top spot before the Springboks' game in Ireland (20:10 GMT).
Eddie James started alongside Max Llewellyn for the second time for Wales. Rennie said: "We weren't good enough; Wales were passionate and every time they kept us out, they grew and became harder to break down." He added: "We've got to be better, we expect a lot more of ourselves, and I need to see a response at Twickenham."
New Zealand travel to Twickenham on Saturday (14:10 GMT), a match where a win with a bonus point would secure top spot in the southern hemisphere table ahead of South Africa's game in Ireland (20:10 GMT).
