Podcasts > American History Tellers > History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

By Wondery

This American History Tellers episode delves into one of rugby's most iconic matches — the 1905 contest between New Zealand's undefeated All Blacks and Wales during New Zealand's inaugural European tour. Pitted against each other were New Zealand's dominant side with their signature black uniforms and ritual haka, and the underdog Welsh team steeped in working-class rugby roots.

The summary explores the psychological tactics Wales employed to challenge the vaunted All Blacks, including a pre-game Welsh anthem performance and a revamped offensive playing style. It chronicles the nail-biting, low-scoring match and Wales' historic 3-0 upset over the previously unbeaten All Blacks — a landmark victory that sparked an enduring rivalry between the rugby powers.

History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 16, 2024 episode of the American History Tellers

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

1-Page Summary

The All Blacks' Dominance vs. Welsh Underdog Spirit

On their first European tour, the All Blacks had decimated top English clubs like Devon (55-4), earning a reputation for their signature black uniforms, ceremonial haka, and undefeated 26-0 record. Meanwhile, Wales took pride in their working-class rugby roots and underdog status, eager to challenge the "unbeatable" All Blacks.

Wales' New Tactics and Psychological Approach

Guided by rugby administrator Tom Williams' observations, the Welsh team developed a new speedy, attacking formation inspired by the All Blacks. They also sang their national anthem "Old Land of My Fathers" before kickoff - a first at a sporting event - both to boost morale and unsettle the All Blacks, per Tom's strategy.

The Tense Match and Dramatic Finish

The two evenly matched sides remained scoreless for the first 20 minutes. But Welsh player Teddy Morgan then scored a spectacular try, outmaneuvering defenders. Near the end, New Zealand's Bob Deans appeared to score a try that would tie it, but the referee controversially did not award it after consulting the touch judge, preserving Wales' 3-0 lead.

A Historic Victory and Lasting Legacy

Wales' win marked the first defeat for the previously unbeaten All Blacks on their tour - a huge upset and watershed moment establishing Wales' rugby prowess. It ignited an enduring rivalry, with Wales and New Zealand exchanging future wins. The 1905 centenary was celebrated with another match, underscoring the game's lasting national pride and rugby legacy.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The All Blacks' black uniforms symbolize strength and tradition in rugby. The ceremonial haka is a traditional Maori war dance performed before matches to intimidate opponents and showcase cultural pride. Their undefeated 26-0 record highlighted their dominance and formidable reputation in international rugby.
  • The match between Wales and the All Blacks in 1905 was a significant event in rugby history, marking the first defeat for the previously undefeated All Blacks on their tour. Wales' victory over the All Blacks was a major upset that established Wales' rugby prowess and ignited a lasting rivalry between the two teams. The match featured a tense and dramatic finish, with controversial moments like a disallowed try for New Zealand that preserved Wales' lead. This historic match in 1905 had a lasting legacy, shaping the future encounters and the pride of both nations in their rugby traditions.
  • Tom Williams, a rugby administrator, played a crucial role in guiding the Welsh team to develop new tactics and a psychological approach to face the All Blacks. He observed the All Blacks' strengths and inspired Wales to adopt a faster, attacking formation. Williams also strategized for the team to sing their national anthem before kickoff to boost morale and unsettle their opponents. His insights and strategies contributed to Wales' historic victory over the All Blacks, marking a significant moment in Welsh rugby history.
  • The controversy surrounding the try by New Zealand's Bob Deans stemmed from a disputed decision by the referee and touch judge. Despite appearing to score a try that would have tied the match, the officials controversially did not award it after consultation. This decision preserved Wales' lead and ultimately contributed to the historic victory over the All Blacks. The contentious nature of this call added drama to the match and has been a point of discussion and debate in rugby history.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

The background and buildup to the 1905 match between Wales and the All Blacks

The 1905 match between Wales and the All Blacks was set against a background of Welsh underdog spirit and the All Blacks' unparalleled dominance in rugby.

The history and reputation of the All Blacks leading up to the match

The All Blacks had already defeated England and other top rugby teams in the UK, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the sport.

The All Blacks, on their first European tour, had an unbeaten record of 26 games, during which they faced and defeated some of the best sides in England. For example, the Devon Rugby Club, considered one of the best in England, suffered a 55 to 4 loss to the All Blacks—a match that was considered a humiliation for English rugby and a testament to the prowess of the New Zealand team. Following this and other victories, they became known as the All Blacks due to their distinctive black uniforms. Their pre-game haka, a traditional Māori ceremonial routine, contributed to their formidable reputation, often striking fear into the hearts of their opponents before the match even began. This reputation was solidified with impressive wins such as their 44-0 triumph over Gloucester Rugby Club.

The Welsh team's underdog status and desire to prove themselves against the All Blacks

The Welsh players and fans were eager to challenge the All Blacks, despite the team's reputation for being unbeatable.

Wales, a rugby powerhouse and the smallest of the four nations making up the UK, had not lost a home game in six years and considered rugby to be akin to a religion, with the sport deeply embedded in the working-class culture of miners and farmers. Despite their successes, there was discrimin ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The background and buildup to the 1905 match between Wales and the All Blacks

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The All Blacks' dominance may overshadow the competitive nature of rugby at the time, as other teams also had strong records and capabilities.
  • The term "unbeatable" applied to the All Blacks could be seen as hyperbolic, as all sports teams are vulnerable to defeat under the right circumstances.
  • The Welsh underdog status might be overstated considering their own impressive six-year home game winning streak.
  • The cultural significance of rugby in Wales could be comparable to the sport's importance in other rugby-playing nations, not uniquely Welsh.
  • The "Match of the Century" billing could be seen a ...

Actionables

  • Embrace the underdog mindset by setting a personal challenge against a skill you've always wanted to master but felt was out of reach. For example, if you've never run a mile, commit to a training plan that builds up to a 5k race, documenting your progress and celebrating small victories along the way.
  • Create a visual representation of your "unbeaten record" in a daily habit you're trying to establish, like a chain of consecutive days on a calendar. Each day you succeed, mark it off, creating a visual streak that motivates you to keep going, similar to the All Blacks' winning streak.
  • Adopt a person ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

The new tactics and strategies employed by the Welsh team

The Welsh rugby team has implemented new tactics and strategies in an effort to elevate their game, taking inspiration from the All Blacks' playing style and using their national anthem as a psychological tool.

The Welsh team's development of a new, unconventional formation

The Welsh team, guided by Tom Williams' observations of the All Blacks, has adopted an unorthodox formation that emphasizes speed and agility. Influenced by the All Blacks’ highly attacking lineup that features speedier backs in place of heavier-built forwards, the Welsh team aims to "play them at their own game." They have spent two months tirelessly preparing a new formation, hoping to counterbalance the All Blacks' signature playing style.

The importance of the Welsh national anthem as a pre-game ritual

In an innovative move and for the first time at a sporting event, the Welsh team and fans sang their national anthem, "Old Land of My Fathers," in the stadium before the game started. This act not only served as a morale booster for the team but also as a means to psychologically unsettle the All Blacks. The idea, proposed by Tom to his colleague Gwyn, was to respond to the All Blacks' haka with their o ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The new tactics and strategies employed by the Welsh team

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The adoption of tactics inspired by the All Blacks may not necessarily yield the same results for the Welsh team due to differences in player skill sets, team dynamics, and coaching.
  • An unconventional formation that emphasizes speed and agility could potentially expose the Welsh team to weaknesses in defense, particularly against teams with strong forward packs.
  • Attempting to "play them at their own game" might not be the most effective strategy, as the All Blacks' playing style is the result of years of refinement and may not be easily replicable.
  • Singing the national anthem as a psychological tool could be seen as less effective against experienced teams like the All Blacks, who are accustomed to facing intense psychological and emotional challenges during match ...

Actionables

  • You can adapt to new challenges by learning from diverse fields and applying their principles to your own context, much like the Welsh rugby team drew inspiration from the All Blacks. For example, if you're in a creative industry, study how tech startups pivot and iterate quickly to overcome obstacles, and then use those methods to enhance your own creative processes.
  • Enhance your personal or team performance by experimenting with unconventional methods that play to your strengths. If you're part of a local sports team, try developing a new play or formation that emphasizes the unique skills of your team members, rather than sticking to traditi ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

The dramatic events and outcome of the historic match

The historic sporting event under review was filled with tension, skillful play, and a touch of controversy, all leading to a memorable and consequential outcome.

The tense and closely contested game

For much of the game, the scoreboard remained untouched, with neither team being able to break the stalemate. Both teams appeared equally matched, struggling to gain a decisive advantage over the other. Even 20 minutes into the game, the two sides were deadlocked with a score of zero to zero.

The dramatic try scored by Welsh player Teddy Morgan

However, the game’s first and only points came from a spectacular play by Welsh player Teddy Morgan, who succeeded in scoring the match's first try. Morgan’s remarkable effort included evading multiple defenders and sprinting the length of the field to cross into the try zone. This feat not only gave Wales an early lead but also invigorated the home crowd, adding to the match’s intensity.

The controversial last-minute decision by the referee

In the closing moments, the match teetered on the brink of controversy. The All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team, saw their winger, Bob Deans, make a significant play that could have turned the game around. D ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The dramatic events and outcome of the historic match

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • In rugby, the try zone is an area behind the goal line where a player must ground the ball to score points. It is similar to a touchdown in American football but requires the ball to be touched down by an attacking player. In rugby union, a try is worth 5 points, while in rugby league, it is worth 4 points. The try zone is a crucial area where teams aim to score to secure points during a match.
  • The All Blacks is the nickname for the New Zealand national rugby union team. They are one of the most successful and renowned rugby teams globally, known for their distinctive black jerseys. The team has a rich history and a strong tradition of excellence in the sport, with a large and dedicated fan base. The All Blacks have a storied rivalry with other top rugby nations and are considered a powerhouse in international rugby competitions.
  • A touch judge in rugby is an official who assists the main referee by monitoring the touch-lines during the game. They signal when the ball goes out of play and help with decisions like confirming successful kicks at goal. Touch judges play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and accurate officiating during rugby matches.
  • A try in rugby is a way to score points by grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area. It is worth five points and is typically the primary method of scoring in rugby matches. Scoring a try often requires skill, speed, and strategic play to overcome the opposition's defense. It is a significant event in a ...

Counterarguments

  • The tension and skillful play are subjective assessments and might not be shared by all spectators or analysts.
  • The untouched scoreboard could indicate strong defensive play or, alternatively, a lack of offensive creativity and execution.
  • The struggle to gain a decisive advantage might be seen as a testament to the teams' equality, but it could also suggest a lack of breakthrough talent or strategy.
  • A deadlock of zero to zero for 20 minutes might not be unusual in rugby, depending on the style of play and defensive capabilities of both teams.
  • While Teddy Morgan's try was a significant moment, attributing the victory solely to this event overlooks the cumulative efforts of the entire team throughout the match.
  • The energizing effect on the home crowd is a common phenomenon but does not necessarily correlate with the outcome of the game.
  • The controversy surrounding Bob Deans' denied try could be s ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

The lasting legacy and impact of the 1905 match

The 1905 rugby match between Wales and the All Blacks from New Zealand holds a hallowed place in the annals of sports history. This match left a lasting legacy and sparked a rivalry that endures to this day.

The significance of Wales' win as the first defeat of the All Blacks

Wales’ triumph over the All Blacks was a watershed moment in rugby history. It was a significant victory given the fact that the All Blacks were undefeated before this game, marking the first time New Zealand experienced defeat on their UK tour. This landmark win is still celebrated for its importance in establishing Wales as a formidable force in rugby.

The continued rivalry and future matches between Wales and the All Blacks

The 1905 game ignited a profound and long-standing rivalry between the Welsh team and the All Blacks. This competitive spirit has been reflected in the numerous encounters between the two teams over the years. It took a full century for a subsequent match in 2005 to commemorate the initial clash from 1905, in which the All Blacks gained revenge with a victory over Wales, signifying the enduring competitive nature between these two rugby powerhouses ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

The lasting legacy and impact of the 1905 match

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While the 1905 match was indeed significant, it is important to recognize that rugby history is filled with many important matches, and focusing too much on a single game may overlook other pivotal moments and teams that have contributed to the sport's development.
  • The idea of a "long-standing rivalry" could be seen as somewhat subjective, as the intensity and significance of sports rivalries can fluctuate over time and may not be equally acknowledged by both parties involved.
  • The commemoration of past matches, such as the centenary game in 2005, while important, might not always capture the same spirit or competitive nature as the original match due to changes in the s ...

Actionables

  • You can explore the impact of historical sports events by creating a personal journal where you reflect on how these events shape national identity and personal pride. Start by researching other significant sports events in history and write about how they might have influenced the culture and pride of their respective countries, similar to how the 1905 rugby match did for Wales.
  • Develop a better understanding of rivalries and their effects by starting a conversation club focused on sports rivalries. Gather friends or join online forums where you discuss different rivalries, their origins, and how they've evolved over time, drawing parallels to the Wales vs. All Blacks rivalry.
  • Enhance your appreciation ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA