Rugby: Wales set sights on drought-breaking victory over All Blacks, 69 years on from last triumph

Wales can smell victory in Cardiff, and are ready to break a 69-year losing streak against the All Blacks on Sunday.  

While the All Blacks have struggled with consistency in recent months - the Welsh are riding the high of a recent historic victory in South Africa.

Wales aren't just ready to face Ian Foster's All Blacks - they're gunning for them. 

Gareth Anscombe against the All Blacks (2021).
Gareth Anscombe against the All Blacks (2021). Photo credit: Image - Photosport

They've had just three wins over New Zealand - and since then only talk of taboo and hoodoo - and a curse that dates back to 1953. 

But this year, the murmurings are mounting.

"Maybe we thought they were invincible for a long time," Wales second-five Nick Tompkins said.

"I think they're human."

The All Blacks know what's coming.

"It's a privilege for us as All Blacks to get the best out of teams," said captain Sam Whitelock.

And while it's led to defeat in four of their past ten tests, Wales are riding a drought-breaking high - having secured a first victory over the Springboks in South Africa in July.

"We showed ourselves what we could do, and broke those shackles off," added Tompkins. "A little bit of fear left away."

The stage is set for a historic showdown. 

Referee Wayne Barnes will also commemorate his 100th test match, and will use the same whistle from the very first meeting between the two sides - a 3-0 Wales victory back in 1905.

Whitelock's not interested in history lessons, only consistency.

"We've been chasing that for a while now, that complete 80-minute performance."

History depends on it.