Sam Warburton says Wales' historic victory over New Zealand is the proudest he has felt watching them since he retired. Wales beat the All Blacks for the first time since 1953 in what was a monumental upset at Principality Stadium.
Warburton's Praise for Wales' Display
Warburton was mightily impressed by Steve Tandy's side, telling TNT Sports: "Considering what they've gone through in the last 24 months, it's the proudest that I've felt watching Wales since I retired."
"Defiance, resilience, work ethic and toughness. Everything that Welsh culture is built on finally came to fruition today. Tactically, I think Wales did some brilliant things. Their speed of ball in attack was exceptional. Tomos Williams looked the world-class scrum-half that he is."
Warburton praised Wales' work at the breakdown as crucial to this victory. "I thought defensively you could tell they had really worked on what you call 'time in the tackle,'" he said. "Every time they tackled New Zealand they were targeting the ball and trying to stop the offloads. It's an unbelievable achievement for those players considering what they've been through. It just shows that if you get your mindset right, you can achieve good things."
Wales U19s Comeback Win Over France
Wales Under-19s produced a superb second-half comeback to beat France 34-31 at St Helen's and record their first victory over French opposition at any pathway level in six years. McKenzie Scales, Tiaan Hall, and Alfie Prygodzicz (twice) scored Wales' tries while they were also awarded a penalty try. Will Ford and Ben Coomer scored seven points between them from the kicking tee.
France dominated the first half and would have been disappointed with their 17-5 advantage at the break. The visitors dominated possession with No 8 Lilian Baret catching the eye with a solo try early on to set the tone for his side. His fellow back row Celo Bard powered over as Wales struggled to get a foothold in the game. Lively winger Yanis Laher scored France's third try but as the first half neared its conclusion the home side gradually grew in confidence. Powerful hooker Scales powered over on the stroke of half-time to keep Wales in the hunt.
The game was turned on its head in the second half when Wales scored 24 unanswered points. Tiaan Hall powered his way over for Will Ford to convert before a penalty try put Wales in front for the first time in the match. Prygodzicz then scored twice in double quick time to put his side in command before a late rally by France left the game on a knife edge. Replacement winger Tom Delalan chipped behind the defence and collected the bounce to race over and convert his own try.
France threw everything at Wales in the dying stages but the home side edged further ahead when replacement fly half Coomer slotted a penalty to give his side a 10-point buffer. Long striding second row Christian Mendes Tani raced over for a converted try to leave nerves shredded but Wales were able to hold on for a remarkable victory to make it a double success on the day after Wales men had shocked the All Blacks.
"It was a real honour to lead Wales against France and get the win in the first international at the newly built St Helen's," said Prygodzicz. "The boys watched Wales beat the All Blacks in the hotel and it was great to see and a real inspiration. It's been a long time since a Wales side has beaten France in the pathway so we're delighted to come away with the win."
Jones Warns England to Expect All Blacks Backlash
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has warned England to expect a "violent backlash" from New Zealand when they rock up at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham next weekend. England stuffed Japan 78-15 at Allianz Stadium on Saturday and will face an All Blacks side licking their wounds following a first defeat to Wales since 1953.
Jones believes his former side will face a tough test. "They're violent," Jones said. "They're usually violent, very physical and they'll be massively disappointed about the performance today. New Zealand next week will be back to the old New Zealand. They'll be hard and tough and physical around the breakdown."
England captain Maro Itoje agrees with Jones and expects a huge step up next weekend. "It will be a huge step up, New Zealand are a world-class team," said Itoje. "We've had some great battles with them over the years. They're right up there in the toughest teams to play. So it's going to be a huge step up, but I think it's a step up this team is ready for. Every time we play New Zealand, it's a fiercely contested game. Next week, I am very confident it will be no different. Obviously, they're going to want a response, and we want to show where this team is going. So it's going to be a very hotly contested game."
