An emotional Dewi Lake admitted he couldn't watch the final 80 seconds as Wales survived a second-half onslaught to beat New Zealand for the first time in 73 years. The captain, who had been replaced in the second half, watched from the sidelines as Steve Tandy's side defended a seven-point lead against relentless All Blacks pressure.
A Historic Victory in Cardiff
Despite New Zealand going close on several occasions, Wales were resolute in keeping out their opponents with a herculean defensive effort. It all got too much for Lake, with the hooker unable to watch as Wales steered their way to victory in the final moments.
Admitting on ITV he shed a tear, Lake explained what the culmination of a historic day for Wales felt like down at pitch-level.
"It was almost like you were blocked out, really," he said. "You heard the noise, but it was like background noise. The boys dug in hard. A lot of the defensive sets there, last 20 minutes, there were three or four hold-ups over the line, turned the ball over, and I think I stopped watching with a minute or so left and just waited for the whistle, which I have done before, but this one was different."
Emotional Reflections from the Captain
Reflecting on an emotional day, Lake added: "It's probably nice to sit in this room and not be disappointed for once! I think we got asked a lot of questions last week in terms of performance, in terms of things that went wrong. We had tough conversations in the week. We're a group that trusts each other a lot. And to put on the field what we did today, to make history... It's tough to put into words, but it's nothing this group doesn't deserve for the work they've put in for the last year, year-and-a-half."
Lake added that the players and coaches truly believed they could end Wales' wait for a first win over the All Blacks since 1953, even if virtually everyone outside of camp had written them off before kick-off.
"Of course we did," he said. "Look, 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 media outlets or for some people at home. It's not for us. We work hard. We have tough conversations. Not only players, but coaches and staff. You wouldn't believe the work that goes on for this group to grow and succeed. So, we do believe that we could do it and that's why."
Tandy's Praise and Looking Ahead
Last week, Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins had joked that he would ask for Monday off if Wales did shock the world and defeat the All Blacks. "Well, he's probably got a chance now," laughed Tandy. "Maybe half a chance. It was back to Monday afternoon, but I'll have to wait. We've got to saviour moments."
Tandy added: "I feel pride for the players, and to see what it means to the supporters. We have been wanting some positivity, and I think the players delivered that today. We knew it was going to be brutal on both sides of the ball, and I thought the intent from minute one was exceptional. You always have belief. They are a special group of people, and there will be lots of bumps along the road, but the boys can be super-proud today. The players were phenomenal. New Zealand threw everything at us, and it is just an amazing feeling."
Wales now face a massive game against Australia next week, with Tandy noting the team must continue to build on this performance while savouring the historic moment.
