Dewi Lake: Wales captain describes victory over New Zealand at Principality Stadium as 'amazing feeling'
Dewi Lake said Wales’ win over New Zealand at the Principality Stadium on 14 November 2026 was an "amazing feeling" after he led his side to a historic victory.
Lake paid tribute to his teammates for producing the result from a recent run of difficult results and public criticism, saying the performance was earned. "It's nice to sit in this room and not be disappointed," he said, and added that the squad had held "tough conversations in the week [after a narrow win over Japan]" as part of the response to those questions.
The victory was framed as a source of belief for the squad, but Lake said confidence had already been present within the group. "I think sometimes we sit in front of the media and say we can beat them, and it’s probably a passing comment for some people at home. It’s not for us. We work hard. We have tough conversations. Not only players, coaches, staff. Like you wouldn’t believe the work that goes on for this group to grow and succeed. So, yeah, we do believe that we can do it, and and that’s why."
The Principality Stadium still showed around 20,000 empty seats at kick-off, but noise rose as the game progressed and filled the ground by the finish. "I think I stopped watching with a minute 20 left," Lake said. "It’s almost as if you’re blocked out. You hear the noise, but it’s like it’s background noise. I just waited for the whistle. It’s an amazing feeling."
Lake singled out the sustained effort behind the result. "But it is nothing this group doesn’t deserve for the work they put in for the last year, year and a half," he said, acknowledging the preparation that preceded the win.
Beauden Barrett, making his first appearance as All Blacks captain in his 149th Test, commended Wales' defence and the impact of the crowd. “It felt like a brick wall at times,” he said of Wales’ defence, “so you have to give them credit. They brought the crowd into the game. You’re well aware of them when you come here. That’s why it’s one of the best places to play rugby, when there’s that support behind you. It was like playing 16 or 17.”
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie also acknowledged Wales’ execution and resilience. “I give credit to Wales. They were really clinical when they got their chances, and then they defended for massive periods. It hurts, but you’ve got to take it on the chin. Wales were passionate, and every time they kept us out, I reckon they grew and became harder to break down.”
Lake became the first Wales captain to lead his team to victory over New Zealand in 73 years, a result that drew praise from both the opposition captain and coach.