Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins is preparing to face the very team he idolised as a child when New Zealand arrive at Principality Stadium this Saturday. The 22-year-old, who was approaching his 13th birthday when the All Blacks became the first team to retain the World Cup in 2015, now has his sights set on causing what he describes as a 'real upset'.
From Childhood Admiration to Professional Challenge
Jenkins, who plays for Exeter Chiefs, vividly remembers watching the dominant New Zealand side between 2011 and 2015. 'I grew up watching the 2011 to 2015 team, who were the best in the world and you put them on a pedestal,' Jenkins revealed. 'You definitely have that respect for them but we are looking forward to giving it a crack.'
The All Blacks arrive in Cardiff following a disappointing 33-19 defeat by England, while Wales only narrowly edged past Eddie Jones' Japan last weekend. The victory came thanks to a last-gasp Jarrod Evans penalty, securing a 24-23 win that was crucial for World Cup 2027 seeding purposes.
Nothing to Lose Mentality
Despite bookmakers pricing Wales as 35/1 outsiders, Jenkins maintains a professional athlete's belief in victory. 'It's a huge opportunity to cause a real upset. You wouldn't be a professional athlete if you didn't think you are going to win games,' he stated.
The young lock admitted that friends struggled to understand his confidence ahead of the match. 'I was trying to explain that to some mates and they couldn't get their heads around that. The closer to the game you get, the more confident you get. It's a weird feeling.'
Jenkins described the unique atmosphere of playing at Principality Stadium: 'Then you run out at Principality Stadium and feel you are invincible. It's a game of rugby and anything can happen.'
Challenges Ahead for Young Welsh Squad
The match against New Zealand begins a challenging fortnight for new head coach Steve Tandy's side, who will also face back-to-back world champions South Africa. The Springbok game presents additional complications as it falls outside World Rugby's designated autumn Test window.
This scheduling issue means Wales will be without their English and French-based players, including first-choice starters Louis Rees-Zammit, Tomos Williams, Jenkins himself, and Adam Beard. The team will also miss experienced wing Josh Adams for both matches after he received a three-match ban for foul play against Japan.
Reflecting on the narrow victory over Japan, Jenkins acknowledged: 'It wasn't the performance we wanted against Japan and it was a bit cagey but the result was amazing to get the monkey off our back.' The win marked Wales' first success in Cardiff since August 2023 and provided a crucial confidence boost.
Looking ahead, Jenkins expressed optimism: 'Now we can just rip into the future. The winning feeling is something special and you want to keep tasting that.' Despite the daunting challenge ahead, the young lock emphasised that 'in terms of the result I don't think anyone is giving us a chance. We have got nothing to lose.'
