ITV released behind-the-scenes footage of Sam Warburton and Dan Biggar's emotional reactions to Wales' historic victory over New Zealand, with the two former captains overcome as the final whistle sounded at the Principality Stadium.
Wales' 35-28 triumph over the All Blacks on Saturday ended 73 years of hurt and sparked extraordinary scenes of celebration across the country.
Few people could appreciate the magnitude of the achievement quite like Warburton and Biggar, two men who gave so much to the Welsh jersey over many years but never experienced the feeling of beating New Zealand themselves.
Pundits' Unfiltered Reactions
Both men were working as pundits for ITV in Cardiff, and their unfiltered reactions to the final whistle were captured by the broadcaster, which subsequently shared the footage on social media.
The clip begins with ITV's punditry team at Twickenham, where presenter Mark Pougatch can be heard desperately urging Wales to bring the match to a close as the clock ticks beyond 80 minutes. "Argh! Kick it out!" he shouts.
As Wales scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams prepares to boot the ball into touch and seal one of the greatest victories in Welsh rugby history, former England wing Ugo Monye exclaims: "They've won it!"
Emotional Celebrations
The footage then cuts to the ITV studio in Cardiff, where Warburton and Biggar erupt in celebration. Both punch the air in delight before Warburton bends forward towards the floor, seemingly struggling to comprehend what he has just witnessed.
The former Wales captain then throws an arm around Biggar, who can be seen repeatedly expressing his astonishment, simply saying: "Wow!" The pair also embrace former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick, who was alongside them on punditry duty, in a touching moment of mutual respect.
Back at Twickenham, Pougatch rises to his feet to applaud the achievement, while a stunned Monye declares: "Wales have beaten the All Blacks!"
But perhaps the most poignant moment comes when the cameras return to Warburton, who sinks back into his chair and puts his hands to his face, visibly overwhelmed by the enormity of the occasion.
Biggar's Personal Reflection
Biggar subsequently opened up about his emotions in a deeply personal column for MailOnline, describing the result as the biggest shock he had witnessed in international rugby since Japan stunned South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.
The former fly-half, who faced the All Blacks numerous times during his international career, explained how the victory had brought a sense of joy back to Welsh rugby following several desperately difficult years. "To be at Principality Stadium was to see the joy return to our national sport in front of your eyes," he wrote. "It was incredible. So, so emotional. It was a day I'll never, ever forget."
Biggar reserved particular praise for Wales' defensive effort, with the hosts repeatedly repelling New Zealand attacks during a gripping second half. James Botham was singled out for his enormous contribution, producing a player-of-the-match performance built around relentless tackling and physicality. The sight of Botham breaking down in tears at the final whistle was another moment that encapsulated the emotion of the occasion.
Biggar also highlighted the contributions of replacements Gareth Thomas, Dan Edwards and Taine Plumtree, who all produced crucial defensive interventions as New Zealand desperately searched for a way back into the contest. Despite Wales' heroic resistance, the former captain admitted he could not quite allow himself to believe the result was secure until Morgan-Williams finally brought proceedings to an end.
After years of disappointment and criticism surrounding the national team, Biggar believes the victory has restored something that had been missing from Welsh rugby. "This result put the pride back into Welsh rugby and that has been badly needed," he wrote.
