James Botham inspired Wales to a brilliant rearguard victory over New Zealand, beating the All Blacks for the first time since 1953.

Botham, grandson of the legendary English cricketer Ian, typified the Welsh defensive effort when he somehow held up 17-stone prop Xavier Numia over the tryline in the 65th minute.

It was one of three such “held up” efforts in an exhausting 10-minute spell, during which Wales did not leave their half and took their tackle count for the match well past 200.

But the All Blacks failed to score a single point beyond their 52nd-minute try to move within seven points of the home side.

Wales hung on with all they were worth, emptying the bench but never replacing man of the match Botham, who was sobbing after the final whistle.

More to follow…