One of Wales’ most celebrated songs – in rugby and across the country’s wider folklore – is Yma o Hyd. Written by Dafydd Iwan in the early 1980s, its English translation is: “We’re still here.” The song is charged with patriotism, underlining the importance of Welsh nationalism and the survival of the country’s language and culture.
When I woke on Sunday morning, the day after Wales ended 73 years of suffering against the All Blacks, Yma o Hyd was the first thing that came to mind. By defeating New Zealand for the first time since 1953, Wales sent a powerful message to the rugby world: as Iwan wrote, they are “still here.” I felt immensely proud to say that.
A result as extraordinary as this has to mark the beginning of something for this Welsh team. It cannot be a one-off. Steve Tandy and his players must use the victory as fuel for the challenges ahead. Once the hangovers have faded – and I sincerely hope there were some substantial ones after that result – Tandy’s message to his squad should be clear: “We’ve proved we can beat the best teams in the world. Now we have to do it consistently.”
Those seeking to diminish Wales’ achievement will point out that this was not New Zealand’s first-choice team and that the All Blacks performed well below their best.
That is fair. Wales cannot control the strength of the team selected by their opponents. But there is also no question that New Zealand struggled in large part because Wales were so good. In fact, they were outstanding. Truly epic.
I was overwhelmed with emotion at the final whistle. Once my broadcasting duties with ITV were complete, I went down to see the players.
Wales told the rugby world they are “still here” by defeating New Zealand
Steve Tandy, pictured, and his players must turn this victory into motivation for the future
I had arranged to meet Leicester Faingaʻanuku, the All Blacks back I played alongside at Toulon. We had both expected New Zealand to win, and the mood in their camp was sombre. Leicester still managed to make me laugh. “At least we’ve created history!” he said.
Seeing the sheer happiness on the faces of the Wales players was wonderful. It was clearly an unfamiliar feeling for them. There was unbridled elation, of course, but also a noticeable sense of disbelief and relief.
A few hours after the final whistle, my friend Ben Whitehouse, who now works within the Wales set-up, called me on FaceTime. He was with Sam Costelow, the No 10, and prop Dillon Lewis. As they appeared on my screen, Jamie Lawson’s song Wasn’t Expecting That began playing loudly. It was a lovely moment. The title obviously fitted the occasion, but the song carries an especially personal meaning for Sam and me.
After we lost the 2023 World Cup quarter-final to Argentina – my final Test match – Sam and I played it repeatedly the following day. Along with a few others, we spent hours in misery on a Ferris wheel in Toulon. We must have gone around at least 10 times, trying to drown our sorrows with several beers.
I was delighted that Sam and the rest of the team could now associate Wasn’t Expecting That with happy memories rather than disappointment. During my time with Wales, players often headed to Tiger Tiger, Revolution or Walkabout in Cardiff after major victories. All three have now closed, which is probably a sign that I am getting on a bit.
The players would have been entitled to celebrate in Cardiff city centre if they wished, but I always preferred the team to remain together after significant wins. That is what we did after beating South Africa away in 2022. The overwhelming positivity surrounding this result was exactly what Welsh rugby had been missing for so long.
In one of the hospitality boxes, a major Welsh Rugby Union sponsor told me this victory was the reason he had continued to believe in Wales. Next door, inside the marquee at Cardiff Arms Park, delighted supporters danced on tables as the music blared. It simply felt wonderful to be Welsh again. Rugby is woven so deeply into the country’s heritage that when the national team struggles, the entire nation feels it. Beating New Zealand has restored that feelgood factor.
That said, we should not pretend everything in Welsh rugby has suddenly been fixed. As I know only too well, Wales has a habit of allowing one major victory to cover up deeper problems. We should absolutely enjoy beating New Zealand, but the result does not resolve the financial difficulties or answer questions about the future of the domestic teams. Those battles can wait for another day.
Wales made a remarkable 346 tackles, including 202 inside their own 22
The players have earned the right to celebrate, but Welsh rugby still has plenty of work ahead
This victory offered the most glorious possible break from all those problems away from the pitch.
It was an unforgettable day. The WRU delivered an excellent production, using the lighting during New Zealand’s Haka to create an outstanding atmosphere. From there, the players took charge.
Wales’ second-half defence was extraordinary. The team completed a remarkable 346 tackles, 202 of them inside their own 22. Daf Jenkins made 38, Jac Morgan 31, star performer James Botham 30, Eddie James 25 and captain Dewi Lake 24, with all of them pushing themselves to the limit. It was remarkable to watch. Replacements Gareth Thomas and Ben Carter made 19 and 13 tackles respectively in only 26 and 16 minutes on the pitch. Every one of those figures is remarkable. Tandy’s players have secured their place in Welsh rugby history.
They will forever be remembered as the players who ended Wales’ All Blacks hoodoo. They have achieved something I never did. Many of Wales’ greatest players – including Sir Gareth Edwards and the heroes of the 1970s – never defeated New Zealand in a Wales shirt. Neither did I, Alun Wyn Jones or George North. I would not change anything about my career, but being at Principality Stadium on Saturday made me wish, just a little, that I had experienced what the class of 2026 did. That is why the victory carried such meaning for them.
James Botham’s tears at the final whistle captured the emotions of Welsh rugby supporters everywhere. As a former player now working as a pundit, I have spent plenty of time analysing what has gone wrong for Wales. It was refreshing to discuss something so positive. Wales had only 35 per cent possession against the All Blacks, but the attacking opportunities they created were precise and expertly executed.
Scoring five tries against any New Zealand side is a remarkable achievement. Whatever comes next, these players have already secured their place in Welsh rugby folklore. They will always be able to say they beat New Zealand – and I am sure some of them will make a few pounds from it, too. Well done, lads. Good on you.
