Dewi Lake: Wales always believed they could beat New Zealand in Nations Championship victory
Wales captain Dewi Lake said he always believed his side could beat New Zealand and end a 73-year wait after Wales defeated the All Blacks 35-28 in the Nations Championship at the Principality Stadium. Wales never trailed in the match and recorded their first win over New Zealand since 1953.
Lake and Jac Morgan were the Wales co-captains at the 2023 World Cup in France, and Lake said the group entered the game with conviction despite a long history of defeats. Wales had lost the previous 34 meetings with New Zealand and went into the fixture with bookmakers listing them at 20-1. New Zealand were ranked second in the world and would have moved to the top of the rankings had they beaten Wales.
"Of course we did," said Lake. "Sometimes we sit in front of the media and say we can beat them and it's probably a passing comment for some media outlets or people at home. "It's not for us. We work hard, we have tough conversations, not only players, but coaches and staff. "There is much hard work that goes on for this group to grow and succeed. "For it to finally come to fruition and see it on the field makes me so proud."
Head coach Tandy described an emotional reaction to the result and underlined the pride within the squad. "You could see what it means for the the players, nation and supporters," said Tandy. "It's incredible. We've been wanting some positivity and the players delivered that. "The overriding emotion is pride for the playing group, the staff and I'm just glad for everyone who represents Wales. "You always have belief. History tells you something different but I believe in the group. "They are a special group of people and I can't wait to come in every Monday to work with them."
Wales led 14-0 and 21-7 in the first half before New Zealand levelled the score at half-time; historically New Zealand have often recovered from that position. Tandy said he enjoyed the players' interaction at the interval: "I did love it at half-time with the playing group, listening to them talk to each other. "The way the skipper spoken about around what's coming from the next 40 minutes was outstanding." Lake said his half-time remarks referenced a similar situation a year earlier when Wales were unable to hold out.
Wales extended their lead with two further tries before New Zealand reduced the margin to seven, after which Wales produced a sustained defensive effort. Gareth Thomas, James Botham, Jac Morgan and Dan Edwards were involved in holding up New Zealand over the home line on three occasions, while replacement Taine Plumtree secured two vital turnovers. The home side completed 346 tackles in total; lock Dafydd Jenkins made 38 tackles and flankers Morgan and Botham were close behind.
There were 55,152 in the ground, the lowest attendance for a Wales v New Zealand fixture at the Principality Stadium, and the crowd vocally supported the home side. Lake described the closing moments in his own words: "You heard the noise, but it was like background noise. I think I stopped watching with a minute and 20 seconds left and just waited for the whistle, which I have done before, but this one was different. "To celebrate with the boys that you work hard with every day, and the coaches that come in and make you better, is an amazing feeling." Lock Dafydd Jenkins had said before the game he would ask for Monday off if Wales won.
Wales now prepare to face Australia in Cardiff next Saturday; Tandy urged his squad to enjoy the result but return ready to work. "We've got to savour moments, because history tells you this doesn't happen very often, and we need to make make sure we enjoy this," said Tandy. "I'm sure every rugby club out there is going to be celebrating tonight but it's making sure when we come in, maybe Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning, if Daf gets his way, that we're ready to work. "Because Australia will be a different test."
